travelling disadvantages essay

Traveling, Its Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

This essay about travelling abroad explores all the advantages and disadvantages of this activity.

Introduction

• Advantages of traveling
• Disadvantages of traveling
• How to choose a trip

Traveling refers to movement from one geographical location to another, either for recreation or work. The majority of the people who love traveling do it when they are young because of the availability of adequate time and lack of pressing responsibilities such as work and family (Hasbrouck, 2011). Traveling is an important pastime activity that is fun, and that exposes people to other countries, cultures, and societies. Travelers learn a lot because traveling necessitates changes in lifestyle and ways of communication. Moreover, travelers learn new languages, interact with people from other races and ethnicities, and explore new geographical locations (Mitchell, 2006). Individuals who travel regularly possess adventurous spirits that yearn for new experiences to learn new things. Despite having numerous benefits, traveling has disadvantages too. It is costly, exposes individuals to the risk of contracting diseases, and causes excessive fatigue.

Advantages of Traveling

Traveling offers people an opportunity to visit interesting places, learn new things, and meet new people ( 5 Benefits of Travelling , 2013). It is one of the best ways to interact with people from other races, cultures, and ethnicities. Travelers explore the various beliefs and traditions that guide other people’s lives and learn how interconnected humanity is (Mitchell, 2006). For example, there are very many cultures in the world that have preserved their traditional beliefs, customs, and practices. Visiting countries such as Kenya, Mexico, China, and India is an occasion to experience such unique cultures. On the other hand, meeting new people who speak different languages and who live differently is exciting and educational. Travelers also visit interesting places that have great cultural and historical value ( 5 Benefits of Travelling , 2013). For example, the Eiffel Tower in France, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Pyramids in Egypt possess great historical and cultural value. Learning about their histories can help travelers to comprehend the cultures, traditions, and customs of different tribes and societies, as well as their dynamics.

Another advantage of traveling is the chance to learn, relax, and widen one’s scope of knowledge (Mitchell, 2006). In certain cases, one of the requirements of traveling abroad is learning the language that is used in the country that one intends to visit. English is an international language. However, it is not spoken in all countries. Therefore, it would be necessary to learn new languages in order to enhance effective communication and interaction with people who speak indigenous languages (Thumb, n.d). There are numerous historical sites to visit around the world, and visiting them teaches furnishes knowledge about their historical significance to various countries and cultures (Marks, n.d). For instance, people who travel to Egypt learn a lot about the pyramids as well as when and why they were built. Exploring the cultures practiced by different communities increases appreciation for human diversity (Mercer, n.d).

Traveling allows people to improve their communication skills and create networks that can be beneficial in their lives (Mercer, n.d). Interacting with people who speak different languages and who have different cultures is challenging. However, it is important for the improvement of communication skills. Multicultural interaction is an important skill in contemporary society, especially due to globalization and technological advancements (Mitchell, 2006). Learning to interact with different cultures inculcates strong communication and social skills that are beneficial in personal and professional life (Marks, n.d). On the other hand, it helps to create networks that can be used in different areas of life. For example, travelers can create business, social, political, and religious networks that can help them to improve their lives, communities, and society at large. The international labor market is open for exploration to everyone around the world. Therefore, possessing strong networks and multicultural communication skills is beneficial and necessary.

Traveling exposes people to different living styles. As a result, it inculcates the value of compassion and changes people’s perspectives regarding life (Hasbrouck, 2011). For instance, travelers from developed countries who travel to developing countries get an opportunity to see the effects of poverty, ignorance, and diseases on communities. This makes them grateful for their lives. Also, it enhances the development of compassion and empathy toward the needy and the suffering. Traveling exposes people to new cultures, societies, people, and lifestyles (Mitchell, 2006). This exposure changes people’s perspectives, attitudes, and opinions. They develop new ways of looking at the world, and it also gives their lives meaning.

Disadvantages of Traveling

One of the major disadvantages of traveling is the costs involved. Traveling is expensive and involves the use of money that many people cannot afford (Thumb, n.d). For example, traveling to foreign countries by plane is costly, and people incur numerous expenses that can have severe financial consequences. Many people only travel locally because they cannot afford to travel internationally. Traveling includes other expenses such as food, entertainment, and accommodation (Thumb, n.d). Both local and international travel offer opportunities for exposure to new people, places, and cultures. However, the pricey nature of trips and vacations prevents many people from indulging and enjoying the many thrills they offer.

Another disadvantage of traveling is the risk of exposure to diseases and deadly illnesses. In the past few years, outbreaks of deadly diseases such as Ebola and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have been reported in several countries. These diseases put the lives of travelers at risk because they can cause death within a very short time once contracted. In many countries, governments impose travel bans on regions that have been flagged for disease outbreaks. A disease outbreak can lead to the quarantine of affected individuals until the disease is contained. Quarantine causes inconveniences and delays that can interfere with the exhilaration of taking a trip.

Traveling requires a lot of time and planning, which can cause great stress and fatigue (Hasbrouck, 2011). Preparing for a trip is time-consuming because of the need to book accommodation, arrange for transport, and make all the necessary inquiries. On the other hand, trips usually involve pre-arranged plans that eliminate flexibility and the freedom to engage in other unrelated activities. Following strict schedules creates rigidity that eliminates the fun that is involved in traveling.

How to Choose a Trip

Choosing a trip is primarily based on the purpose of travel. People usually travel for reasons that include recreation, tourism, migration, work, religious pilgrimages, business, trade, and volunteer work, among others. Others travel to relax, discover new things, explore, and get acquainted with new cultures (Hasbrouck, 2011). If an individual is traveling to relax or for recreation, they may choose to visit historical sites and beaches. On the other hand, people who travel to learn and explore new places may choose to visit countries where communities that have preserved their traditions are found.

For adventure, they may choose to travel to countries with mountains and forests that can provide fun and enjoyable experiences. Those who travel for migration reasons choose countries that provide the opportunities they are looking for. The steps to choose a trip include the establishment of a purpose for traveling, research regarding countries and regions that can fulfill that purpose, and determination of all the requirements for traveling to that location, such as vaccination and learning a new language or skill. There are various types of trips available that serve the aforementioned purposes. The two most important aspects of taking a trip are determining the purpose of traveling and selecting the most appropriate travel option.

People travel for many reasons, including relaxation, recreation, work, business, adventure, migration, and exploration. Taking trips is beneficial because it offers an opportunity to learn, interact with new cultures, learn new languages, improve communication skills, gain new insights and perspectives regarding life and the world, and meet new and interesting people. In contemporary society, traveling has been made easier by globalization and technological advancements. Despite its benefits, traveling has disadvantages too. It is expensive, time-consuming, causes fatigue, and exposes people to risks of diseases. It is important for travelers to determine the purpose of their trips in order to enable them to choose the most appropriate travel plan or program. It is also important to make all the necessary inquiries and arrangements before traveling to avoid getting stuck in new places. For example, it could be necessary for a traveler to learn the basics of communication or language when traveling to certain areas of the world where indigenous languages are used. This is necessary for the enhancement of communication and interaction.

5 Benefits of Travelling . (2013). Web.

Hasbrouck, E. (2011). The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World . New York, NY: Avalon Travel Publishing.

Marks, H. (n.d). 8 Benefits of Travelling . Web.

Mercer, L. (n.d). Educational Benefits of Travel . Web.

Mitchell, S. (2006). Global Adventure: Travelling Around the World . New York, NY: AuthorHouse.

Thumb, C. (n.d). The Pros and Cons of Travel . Web.

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Bibliography

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling

As with many other things in life, there are both pros and cons to travel; ups and downs. Here, we explain the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to help you make up your own mind.

Pros and cons of travelling

I'm a big fan of traveling. The more I travel, the less I want to stay in one place for too long! Travel is a great way to broaden your horizons and see the world. But it also has its drawbacks too, including being away from loved ones for long periods of time.

While cycling around the world , I've often felt both simultaneously elated at all that beauty of nature, but at the same time saddened that there wasn't anyone to share it with. I'm sure other long term travelers, especially solo travelers, feel exactly the same way from time to time.

In this blog post we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of travelling. If you're planning to travel for extended periods of time, you might want to keep some of these in mind.

Advantages of Travel

Lets kick of with the many advantages – and I'll give you a spoiler now, the travelling advantages far outweigh the disadvantages!

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

Traveling can be educational

We all learn something from travelling, regardless of whether it's about culture, life or people in general. If nothing else, hearing others speak another language and seeing different cultures helps us realize how similar we all are in so many ways.

It is also good for self-development as we generally become more open minded and appreciate other people more when we travel.

Traveling can broaden your horizons

Travelling gives us the chance to see things with our own eyes that normally we would never find out about if not from traveling; especially traveling out of our comfort zone (something I encourage everyone to do).

Imagine not knowing the existence of ancient temples in Cambodia, Peru or Sudan just a decade ago! Now you do…

Traveling gives us a new perspective on life

Seeing things from a different perspective is important. It helps us realize how lucky we are to live where and with who we do in this world.

Travelling can also help us appreciate what we have more by comparison, even though it's not always easy to accept that when abroad.

Related: Why do people like to travel?

Travelling teaches us humility

OK… this doesn't sound like an advantage but I think it is. When speaking about tourism – which both has its advantages and disadvantages – some people believe that travel teaches your humility.

It makes you understand how others live and thrive without the luxuries that you are accustomed to. It makes you realize how lucky you really are, and it allows your mind to open up as opposed to being more judgmental of differences

Traveling can help us grow in confidence

Many people feel they have no personality or direction when they first start travelling – but it's important not to let that stop you. Travelling helps us realize who we really are, and what we want from life.

Once this happens, our confidence grows; and without realizing, we become much stronger than before the trip ! This is especially true with solo backpacking trips !

Traveling can help you speak a new language

It's amazing how fast your language skills improve when you travel to new places! Speaking a new language or two is always good, and it's easier to learn a language when you're traveling.

Now, I'm never going to say my Greek is perfect. It's actually quite terrible. But I can find one or two things on a menu if I have to!

Add to that the fact that you're surrounded by native speakers and it's all a major travel benefit.

Traveling opens up new opportunities

Travelling often opens doors for future work opportunities if your planning on becoming employment after traveling; or even if you want to start your own business overseas.

It also opens doors socially, and tends to make us more open-minded people. You might even end up like me, and move to a different country on a more permanent basis!

Traveling helps you leave behind the stresses of home

Will you wave goodbye to your troubles the moment you step on a plane? For some, absolutely! For others, not so much…

However, you are about to go on an adventure. No matter what your stress levels are at home before you depart for your trip, they will drop considerably when you're traveling.

As soon as the journey begins, it feels like a different world and suddenly all of those problems that were previously weighing down upon us seem less important.

It's easy to convince ourselves this is because we're in a foreign country and don't know anyone here; but really our attitude is what makes this change possible.

Traveling abroad introduces you to new cultures

When we travel abroad, we are often exposed to different cultures and ways of life. This is a good way for us (if we let it) to see the bigger picture of life; that thing that all humans have in common regardless of background or upbringing.

Most people I know who travel come back having a much broader perspective on life and learn to accept all the different ways of living in one world. It also gives people a newfound confidence, which has positive effects on the course of their lives.

Related:  What Is Slow Tourism? Benefits Of Slow Travel

Traveling exposes you to new ideas

Similar to being exposed to new cultures, traveling also opens your eyes to new ways of thinking.

To a certain extent, travelling can help us question the way we view our own lives; helping us gain more confidence about what WE believe is best for ourselves instead of automatically following what our parents or society tells us is “right”.

It's not always easy! However, it's about breaking free from limiting beliefs that are holding you back…

Traveling helps you understand life better

The whole point of traveling is to experience life from a different point of view, right? This means you learn more about yourself and how others see the world.

You see that things aren't always as they seem; and this can only be a good thing! Humans are complex beings with many layers that we often don't understand. Traveling helps us understand these layers – or at least try to understand them.

Traveling teaches new skills (for those who are willing)

Nowadays most people go on vacation for the sole purpose of relaxation… but never underestimate the importance or joy of learning while travelling!

There are some really great lessons you can take back home with you once your trip is over (if you're open to these lessons). Being a part of different cultures in the world can teach us so much, if we are willing to learn.

These cultural differences may seem small at first – but eventually you see how they really impact the way people live their lives.

Traveling helps meet new friends and creates life long connections

Have you ever experienced that moment when you shake hands with someone in another country, and have an instant connection? It happens!

And it doesn't matter what nationality or background you come from – this sort of connection is special 🙂 In fact, it's one thing I love most about traveling; meeting these incredible people who are all unique in their own ways.

Tasting all those new foods

If traveling is about experiencing life from a new perspective, then why not try the foods? Eating may seem like some kind of “simple pleasure” while you're on your trip… but eating can teach us a lot!

You'll learn about the ingredients used in cooking (such as spices) and will also gain knowledge about how certain food items are produced.

You'll taste things that you would never have before – things so unique they are impossible to find back home. And sometimes you just get lucky enough to eat something really delicious!

Related: Food in Greece

Traveling creates unforgettable memories

One of the biggest pros of traveling is creating memories that last a lifetime. These are pictures and new experiences that we get to take with us on our journey through life.

They are a constant reminder of where we've been and who we were when we got there. We will remember the people, interesting places and things that make us laugh, cry, smile or just plain think… And this can only be a good thing!

Traveling might help your career

A future employer might be impressed by your international experience, especially if you are applying for a job that is linked to other countries – such as marketing or business development. The aptitudes that you pick up such as problem solving may be a bonus in the eyes of a prospective employer.

Witnessing immense beauty of distant lands

When traveling, you get to witness immense beauty, sometimes in even the smallest things. You'll begin to understand that there's beauty everywhere you go if you just take a moment and stop to appreciate it.

Disadvantages of Traveling

While there are many important advantages to world travel, it's not all rainbows and unicorns! You'll soon become painfully aware that foreign travel for any length of time also has many challenges and some drawbacks.

Being away from your home country on a big trip for along time, perhaps in a place where you do not speak the native language can be hard at times.

It can cause social isolation (especially in long term solo travel)

This is especially true if you're traveling by yourself . You will be meeting new people all the time and whilst this is great, no one will ever replace your family and close friends. It's good to keep this in mind when going on a long trip so that you don't get depressed about being away from loved ones.

Related: Pros and cons of traveling the world by bike

We often lose touch with our roots

This is definitely more applicable to long-term travelers , but even short trips abroad can make us lose sight of who we really are and where we are from; which isn't such a bad thing if it helps us become more worldly or broadens our horizons

It can be lonely

This is especially true for solo travelers, but even with friends you may not see eye to eye on everything and become tired of one another's company throughout your trip. It's just the nature of traveling!

It can be overwhelming arriving in a new city, and not having great opportunities to meet people.

You'll be watching your bank account go steadily down

Unless you're working and traveling, or have some sort of an ongoing income, your bank balance can be a source of stress when you spend long periods of time overseas. Even if you do have an income, this money can quickly disappear!

Related: How to save for a trip

You might miss important events

When traveling for any reasonable period of time, the chances increase that you might miss important family and friend events back home. While you're living a different life, your family and friends will be getting on with theirs, which means engagements, weddings, births, and other significant milestones. You'll have to weigh up the cost of traveling vs. missing these special occasions.

You could get sick/unhealthy on the road

Although it's true that this can happen anywhere in the world , it happens much more often when traveling . The reason for this is that we are exposed to so many new things, and thus our immune systems become slightly weakened. Going traveling also exposes us to bugs and diseases from every corner of the globe, which may not necessarily be friendly!

Related: Common Travel Mistakes And What Not To Do When Traveling

It might affect your career ladder

Travel, especially for extended periods of time, can have genuine disadvantages when it comes to your career opportunities. Most employers might ask, quite reasonably, if you are likely to take off on another trip. Another downside is that if you have been away for a while, you might be behind at work, and it can take some time to catch up when you get back.

Wrapping up the advantages and disadvantages of travelling

Traveling is one of the best ways to grow and explore, but it also has some downsides.

There are a number of advantages that come with traveling – meeting new friends, learning about exotic cultures, broadening your horizons, etc…

But there are also disadvantages like social isolation (especially in long term solo travel), losing touch with roots/loved ones back home in your own country, loneliness and getting sick while on the road.

The decision whether or not to go travelling will be up to you; however this article should provide you with some insight as to what might happen when venturing out into our vast world.

If all this talk about pros and cons has got you thinking seriously about going on an adventure of your own; don't hesitate! We would love to hear all about your plans, so feel free to leave a comment below. Good luck and have fun!

Live life on your own terms

FAQ about travel pros and cons

Here are some of the questions that people often ask me about pros and cons of traveling, so I will address them here:

What are the disadvantages of traveling?

The first disadvantage of traveling is that it you have to put in your hard earned money. It might not be too much but it will cost you something in the end. The second disadvantage is that there are social isolation issues which come with traveling on a long-term basis, especially if you are travelling alone.

What are some advantages of traveling?

The first thing that we should point out is that traveling can be really fun. There are many ways to see the world and have adventure, and it's a good way to spend time on your own especially if you're looking for some space from lifelong friendships and family. Traveling can also help us become more worldly or broaden our horizons, as well as helping us to understand life better as it exposes us to different cultures and ways of life.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling abroad?

The advantages of travelling include an opportunity to broaden your horizons, interact with different cultures, and learn more about our own culture when we return home. However, there are also disadvantages to travelling abroad. For example, some disadvantages are the cost of traveling for long periods of time, social isolation (especially in solo travel), losing touch with our roots, and loneliness or lack of empathy for friends/family.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone?

The advantages of traveling alone are that there is no one you have to make decisions with, and you can do whatever you want whenever you want! You can also get a lot of alone time, which many people find refreshing. It's a good way to escape the crowds and go off the beaten path. The disadvantages are that when you're traveling alone, it can be very lonely at times. There will be moments where you might not feel like talking to anyone or meeting new people, but if you spend your whole day by yourself in your hotel room, then it's not really that much fun. It can also be difficult going from place to place all by yourself without someone else to share in the experience with.

Travel Tips

You might find some of these travel tips useful reading:

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Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

10 Disadvantages of Travelling (Shocking, I Know)

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If you had told me when I was 21-years old and setting off on my first solo trip abroad that there are a number of disadvantages of travelling, I wouldn’t have believed you.

I thought travel was all rainbows and sunshine.

You’re living the dream and seeing the world. How could there be any disadvantages of travelling?!

Well, I was in for a bit of a reality check.

Don’t get me wrong. I love travel, and the advantages of travel certainly outweigh the disadvantages of travelling.

But, now that I’ve travelled for years, I want to share with you some of the disadvantages of travelling, so you can have a more realistic view of what travel is actually like.

That way you won’t be surprised if you encounter some of the less glamorous sides of solo travel.

You can take the good with the less good and still have an amazing trip.

There is always a rainbow at the end of a rain shower!

So, I’m sharing the top ten disadvantages of travelling I’ve discovered in my years of travel.

You may not encounter all of the disadvantages on this list. You may experience other disadvantages.

This is based on my experience and what other travellers have echoed in my conversations with them.

This should hopefully help you be more prepared for travel and result in you having an even better trip than you ever imagined possible!

Tips for planning your first solo trip

Table of Contents

1. It Costs a Lot of Money

I bet you’re not surprised that travel costs money, and money doesn’t grow on trees.

How we all wish we were trust fund babies or won the lottery, so we could travel without worrying about money!

There are a number of ways money is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

• You have to be disciplined enough to save enough money for your trip.
• You have to stick to a budget while you’re on your trip.
• The money you spend on your trip can’t be used anywhere else. So, you have to sacrifice other things you may want to buy in order to travel.

I, obviously, knew that travelling costs money when I took my first big trip. The other two aspects of money and travel were a little bit more difficult for me to come to terms with.

It can be hard to forego travel experiences because it isn’t part of your budget, but it is a reality that every traveller faces.

It can be hard to say no and to figure out what is and isn’t worth shelling over your hard-earned money for.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does cost a pretty penny.

Especially if you’re taking short trips rather than long trips.

Flights are expensive, but once you get to a geographical area (especially if you can rely on trains and buses to get around), your monthly living costs may actually be less than your normal living costs.

It is those short, week long trips halfway around the world that kill your budget!

But those are the trips most people can take based on their work schedule.

It is a cruel world!

2. You Have to Consider Opportunity Cost

You don’t only have to think about the cost of your actual trip but the opportunity cost of travelling.

You’re potentially giving up job growth, a promotion, or other opportunities that will allow you to make more money in the future.

More money to fund your future travels. 😉

Even the income you miss making while you’re on the trip is part of the opportunity cost of travel you have to consider.

This is one of the disadvantages of travelling that impacts long-term travellers more than short-term travellers.

If you take a one-week vacation, there isn’t much opportunity cost to that trip.

However, if you’re like me and travel for months at a time, there is a lot of opportunity cost.

There were plenty of years where I didn’t have a blog and was relying solely on earning income from my job back home.

I would make less than $15,000 in a year and spend it all on travel!

Obviously that isn’t sustainable throughout your entire life.

On the flip side, there is also an opportunity cost to not travelling and working full-time instead. You don’t get to experience everything the world has to offer.

There is a give and take when it comes to opportunity cost and travel.

You have to find the balance that works for you and run with it!

But without a doubt it is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

Digital nomad jobs for beginners

3. Your Personal Information is More at Risk

I know this one sounds odd but hear me out!

When you’re at home living your normal life, you’re most likely using your home internet more often than not.

Your home internet is very safe because you’re the only person who knows the password to access it.

You can sleep tight at night knowing that there is only a slim possibility that a hacker can access your home internet and steal your personal data.

That’s not the case when you’re travelling.

You are reliant on public wifi networks when you travel.

Whether it be at your hotel , a restaurant or café, or at the airport, there are lots of opportunities for your online information to be stolen.

And I know what you’re thinking.

Most public wifi networks have a password, so they are safe.

Even if there is a password on a public wifi network, your online information is still at risk of being stolen.

Anybody can get the password and gain access to the wifi network!

The only way you can protect your online data when using a public wifi network (even when you’re at home) is to install a VPN on all your devices.

A VPN essentially puts up a forcefield around your devices that keeps prying eyes out.

Even when using a public wifi network!

A VPN essentially makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home internet.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel, and pretty much hated them all.

VPNs have a reputation of slowing down your devices, and my phone and laptop were often so slow that I ended up turning off my VPN and putting my data at risk just to be able to use the internet without wanting to bang my head against the wall.

That all changed when I discovered NordVPN .

I’ve been using their VPN for years and have no plans of ever switching!

NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, and that’s why I recommend it to all my fellow travel lovers.

You don’t even notice there is a VPN protecting your devices. You can stream away, check socials, and do whatever you want to do on the internet without feeling held back.

While still being protected!

I truly, truly believe that everybody should have a VPN on their devices. It is silly to leave yourself and your personal information exposed.

You can protect up to 6 devices with on NordVPN account, so you can easily protect all of your devices at once.

A two-year subscription costs less than the price of a Starbucks latte per month, so there are no excuses!

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information!

You do not want to have the hassel of having to cancel your bank cards while on holiday because you were too cheap to protect your online information.

That’s just no fun! And 100% preventable.

4. Travel is Exhausting

I was not prepared for how exhausting travel is before I started travelling on a regular basis.

You have an image that travel is the ultimate escape, and it kind of feels like the rules of the real world don’t apply.

But they do!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a short trip or a long trip. The days are long, and you expend a lot of energy.

This may not technically be one of the disadvantages of travelling, but it was sure a shock to me!

I was going non-stop for two and a half months before I finally burnt out and decided to take a few days to rest.

Taking time to relax and enjoy your holiday is alright. In fact, I often tell my friends and family who ask me for advise to plan a few extra days in any given city.

This gives you time to see everything you want to see without rushing. You can spend a few hours people watching in a café and not feel guilty for not doing enough on your vacation.

Whatever that means. It is your trip! Make it exactly how you want it.

But be prepared to be tired when you travel!

Your feet will be sore from all the walking. Your body will be tired from all the excitement.

You may even come back more exhausted from your vacation than when you left!

Even beach vacations can be deceptively exhausting. So make sure you leave some wiggle room in case you need a breather.

5. Planning a Trip Takes a Lot of Effort

If you’re anything like me, you hate planning your trips. It just sucks the energy out of me!

One of the biggest disadvantages of travelling (and one not many people talk about) is all the prep work required before you even start your vacation!

It can be stressful to research where to go, where to stay, what to do, and try to find the best deals.

Some people love the planning process. It gets them excited for the trip and makes them feel prepared.

Others (like me) dread it.

No matter what side of the debate you fall on, there is no getting around the fact that planning a trip eats up a lot of time and effort.

It is one of the less glamorous sides of travel you rarely get to see!

There isn’t really a way around the planning process either. Sure you can use a travel agent, but you still need to be active in the planning process.

You have to tell them where you want to go, what area you want to stay in, and what your budget it.

Then you have to review and approve their suggestions.

It is a lot of work, but it is so worth it!

You get to go on an amazing trip, and the hard work you put into planning it more than pays off!

Just be prepared to put in the work before you leave in order to have your dream trip.

6. Relationships at Home Suffer

This is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

Unfortunately, some of your relationships back home may suffer or die altogether. This is especially true if you’re a long-term traveller.

A lot of people don’t understand the desire to travel. They may even be jealous that you can afford to travel and they can’t.

Or you being away for a little while might bring to light some cracks in the foundation of your friendship or relationship.

I don’t think I’ve met a single solo traveller who hasn’t had at least one friendship end because of their travels. Whether directly or indirectly.

I’m definitely not saying you will have friendships and relationships end if you travel!

I’m just saying it is a possibility and one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling and something I wish I was more prepared for before I took my first trip abroad.

7. You Miss Out on Important Moments at Home

Even if all your relationships stay peachy-keen while you’re away (and I truly hope they do!), you’re likely going to miss out on some important moments while you’re away.

I can’t even count the number of engagements, housewarming parties, and baby showers I’ve missed because I’ve been on the road rather than at home.

Granted, most people don’t travel as extensively as I do and don’t miss as much time away from home.

But, there is still the chance you’ll miss out on events going on at home while you’re on the road.

Even if it is just a birthday party or a ladies’ night out where a new inside joke comes to life.

Missing out on things back home is one of the biggest and toughest disadvantages of travelling.

It is probably the one I wish could disappear!

Unfortunately, though, it is one of the trade offs that comes with being a travel addict!

8. Earning Money while Travelling Isn’t Always Easy

This is a very niche disadvantage of travelling, but it an important one to many people.

As we discussed earlier, there is an opportunity cost to travel, and it most often comes in the form of lost wages.

Many long-term travellers try to make money on the road, but it isn’t always easy!

There really isn’t a way to make quick, easy money while travelling. No matter what other bloggers are telling you!

Most digital nomad jobs require you to put in a lot of up-front work before you see any results.

So, if starting your own website isn’t as easy as bloggers make it out to be, what other options do you have?

Most countries have immigration rules. You can’t just go out and find a bartending job anywhere in the world and make quick money.

Well, you technically could, but it wouldn’t be legal, and there are consequences if you get caught. I know a lady who is never allowed to visit Ireland again because she worked there illegally while travelling.

Working at a hostel is always an option.

The downside to that is most of the time you trade your labour for a free stay in the hostel. Not actual money.

It is better than nothing though!

So, if you’re on the road and strapped for cash, you probably need to get creative if you need money ASAP and can’t build up your own business.

I 100% recommend everybody start an online business. It can be life changing and give you the freedom to travel as much as you want without having to beg your employer for time off.

But, if we’re being honest, properly creating and sticking to a budget is probably the better choice than blowing through your money and scrambling to try to make a few bucks, so you can eat that night.

Best jobs for digital nomads

9. Your Travel Companion May Annoy You

I may have found this out the hard way when I was younger.

Just because you get along great with someone when you’re at home doesn’t mean you’re compatible travel companions.

This is without a doubt on of the biggest disadvantages of travelling with someone for the first time.

You won’t figure out whether or not you’re compatible travel companions until you’re already on your trip.

And once you’re on your trip, there is no going back.

You have to finish the trip with the person you started it with.

Hopefully you can find a way to become more compatible with your travel buddy, but that is easier said than done at times.

On the other hand, you may learn that the person you travel with is the best travel companion possible!

Those are the best trips!

You don’t know until you try! So, take the leap of faith and travel with people you think you’ll be compatible with. If you’re more interested in group travel than solo travel that is.

You’ll learn so much from each travel experience.

Even if you’re not compatible travel mates, you’ll have a better idea of who may be more compatible on your next trip!

How to conquer your fear of solo travel

10. You May Discover You Hate Travelling

Travel is romanticized.

It seems like the best part of life and that people who have the privilege to travel are living the best life.

That’s true for a lot of people, but it may not be true for you.

I know quite a few people who hate travelling.

Would rather sit at home and watch tv rather than travel, and that’s 100% alright!

We all have different interests, and you may figure out after you take your first trip that travel just isn’t for you.

At least you tried it and know rather than dreaming of travelling and regretting that you didn’t travel later in life.

But, I will admit from the perspective of a travel lover, finding out you hate travel is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

Once you know you don’t love travel, you need to figure out where to go from there.

You may still want to see the world but hate travelling. Those are two things that are hard to balance!

The solution may be booking tours where everything is planned for you, and all you have to do is show up and admire the beauty of the place.

It may mean you suck it up and deal with the aspects of travel you dislike.

We all have aspects of travel we hate. Trust me!

It may also mean you fulfill your wanderlust by watching YouTube videos and travel documentaries.

If you discover you don’t enjoy travel but still want to experience the beauty of the world, you need to figure out a solution that works best for you.

It isn’t always easy, but it is worth the effort!

I hope you don’t think I’m a Debbie Downer!

There are far more benefits of travel than there are disadvantages of travelling! Trust me!

I wanted to write this post to help you get a more realistic sense of what comes with travelling.

Especially if you travel for long periods of time!

Knowing that there are disadvantages of travelling helps you prepare for your first trip. You know that not everything is rainbows and sunshine.

And this helps to enhance your travel experience!

If you go into travel without your rose coloured glasses on, I truly believe your trip will be amazing.

You’ll be more willing to roll with the punches and potentially be more willing to step outside your comfort zone and experience the culture you’re visiting.

Travel is a beautiful things, but just like anything in life, it comes with its hardships.

You won’t love every aspect of travel.

I promise you that!

But travel is still worth it (as long as you enjoy it). Disadvantages and all!

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling

Looking for advantages and disadvantages of Travelling?

We have collected some solid points that will help you understand the pros and cons of Travelling in detail.

But first, let’s understand the topic:

What is Travelling?

Travelling is the act of going from one place to another. It can be done for leisure, education, or business. Traveling can be done by various means such as train, car, bus, boat, or plane.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Travelling

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Travelling:

Advantages of Travelling

• Broadens the Mindscape – Traveling exposes you to different cultures, customs, and perspectives, helping to broaden your mind and enrich your understanding of the world.
• Hones Socialization Skills – Interacting with locals and other travelers can help to build communication skills, foster relationships and create lifelong memories.
• Boosts Confidence – Stepping out of your comfort zone and navigating unfamiliar territories can be a confidence booster and helps in personal growth.
• Enriches the Soul – Traveling can provide a much-needed break from the monotony of daily life, allowing you to recharge and find inner peace.
• Inspires Creativity – New experiences and breathtaking landscapes can spark creativity and give rise to new ideas and perspectives.

Also check:

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Disadvantages of Travelling

• Can be Costly – Traveling often comes with a hefty price tag, including costs for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.
• Causes Stress – Planning a trip, navigating unfamiliar places, and dealing with unexpected obstacles can be stressful and take a toll on one’s mental and physical health.
• Can Lead to Culture Shock – Immersing yourself in a new culture can be overwhelming and cause culture shock, making it difficult to adjust to new surroundings.
• Can be Dangerous – Traveling to unfamiliar places can pose safety risks, including natural disasters, crime, and health hazards.
• Takes a Toll on the Environment – The travel industry has a significant impact on the environment, including increased carbon emissions and harm to wildlife habitats.
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Advantages and Disadvantage of Travelling

Travelling is an adventure for most people and they like to travel but there are many Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling . It is as amusing for you as any other activity of your life. However, to travel it is necessary that you are strong both financially and mentally. Financially in the way that it would cost you a lot of money to travel around and mentally in the manner that sometimes you come across some hurdles that you have not even thought about in your entire life.

With traveling there come some advantages and disadvantages . Let us start with the advantages as traveling is filled with them. Take the plunge into the unknown and you stand to achieve immensely unknown and you stand to realize immensely.

Table of Contents

Advantages of Travelling

Before we get into the advantages of travelling we start with travelling itself. Travelling can be tricky, amazing, and fearsome at the same time. The idea of travelling when it crosses the mind gives you a calm feeling of exploring and discovering new things. You may have seen many people that travel around the world capture the beautiful moment in a camera and keep it with themselves as a lifetime memory.

Meet New People

Meeting new people is quite an amusement and some people take it as a hobby. With traveling, you will have the advantages to come across some amazing and new people. You will learn about them as you start to engage yourself with them. This way you can make some new friends.

The idea of meeting new people would also improve your communication skill and it is this communication skill that will improve your personality in almost every way.

Meeting new people improves your exposure and makes you a man of a better talking person. You can express your ideas and thoughts in an improved way while people are not getting bored at all.

Explore New Places You Have Never Before

Traveling lets you explore some new places that you have always dreamt about. These plays were probably a fairy tale for you during your childhood now it is suddenly a beautiful reality. You hear about these wonderlands in your textbook when you were in school now you see them with your naked eyes. These are some of the primary and foremost reasons why you should travel.

You may have seen the pictures of some ruins on the televisions, in your textbook, and many other sources you have witnessed it from. Now you have got the opportunity to witness it with your own eyes. Travelling is what gives you such an experience. Ironically if you say, the more you travel the bigger our world gets, it would not be a false statement.

Experience of an Adventure

Have you ever desired to go on an adventure to fulfill your dreams of which you always have dreamt while your eyes were wide open? Of course, you have desired and wished for it.

You always have wanted to go on an adventure and feel the experience of it, touch the experience of it. You have always wanted to explore the places that you may probably have seen in Disneyland movies. At that time you disparate wanted to be a part of it but unfortunately, that is not how nature works.

Frankly speaking, this honor is not honored by everyone in this world. The reasons, well you already know about the reasons. They may be a finical crisis, restrictions from your family sides, and what not but when you have been discharged from all these restrictions you feel a new person. You want to give it a shot and lose yourself of what you wanted to become a reality which now it is.

Witness Immense Beauty of Nature

You know the world is full of mysterious and wonderful places. This adds another reason to why you should travel all around the globe for good. You are thinking that beauty is everywhere and guess what you are probably right! But this does not add a convincing reason why you should not travel thousands of miles away to see the beauty beyond the horizon.

Another reason that you should not stick to only one refreshing spot each and every time is that at some point in your life you get bored with it. Your mind and heart start shouting like, “give me some more”.

Experience You Can Get

There is a famous saying, “Experience is better than Knowledge”. The experience opens your mind to whole lots of new ideas, diversifies your thoughts, and gives you the power due to which you will be preferred most of the time over many other people. If you think, give me a reason to travel. Well, I have got to ask you the same, give me a reason not to travel.

The world is full of such miraculous things and places that no one has even discovered yet. Don’t you want to get experience by seeing all the Seven Wonders of the World? Don’t you want to see the Sahara desert, Africa? Don’t you want to spend some time with your friends in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil? These are some questions that you cannot deny and if you have the resources do even waste a second giving it a try.

Do Something Different

Life is short and you have to get the most out of it in this short time. You have to do something new in your life to feel this experience. You really do not know what is up to your sleeve. All you need to do is to follow your dreams and believe in yourself.

Travelling can also make you a very strong person because you after a lot of traveling have done different things from which you have gained experience. You will learn how to pull the strings? How to get out of trouble? How to cope with hardships? And many many more. I really love this quote about the hardships of life.

“Difficult Roads often lead to beautiful Destinations”.

Build Your Confidence

Traveling is good because it is difficult although not impossible if you are up for it mentally. Difficult things that you do boost your confidence and give you an edge over other people.

Don’t you want to lead? Yes, you do!

Travelling gives you a boost to your confidence and gives you a desire to lead that you have always thought and dreamt of. The traveling that I am talking about is not for weeks but for months and even years. But confidence and leadership qualities are not made in days.

As the famous sayings, “Rome was not built in a day”. Similarly, you cannot build up the qualities that you have and polish it in days.

Learn about Yourself

Travelling gives you an opportunity to identify yourself. You might have wondered at some part in your life that what is my purpose that I was born? Travelling can help you answer all these questions.

Well, traveling refreshes you and your brain work 100% in an amusing environment. This is the main reason that you should make your brain work by providing it the environment it needs.

It will also help you understand your weakness and strength. Which area you should work on yourself which to avoid? These questions will be automatically answered once you get to travel.

Heal Your Soul

If you go out on traveling what you will find is that you will forget all the unpleasant activities that you had experienced in the past. Your soul will refresh itself and you will find yourself in dreamland.

There is a deep connection between the soul and the body and when your soul is relaxed so will be your body. People nowadays are afraid of traveling to faraway places such as abroad. There might be a lot of reasons for that but the one thing is for sure that your soul needs to breathe in different places and you should not stick yourself to only one place each and every time.

Expand Your CV

Last but not the least; you also can expand your CV by exposing yourself to different environments in different places. This will help you in getting your dream job. What if your boss needs you to travel to a place that you have already traveled to? Wouldn’t this be great? Of course, it will be and this will increase the trust of your boss in you.

What if you could pull some strings by traveling to a place you already have discovered earlier? It would create a huge positive impact on your boss. This is why you should not confine yourself to only one place.

Disadvantages of Travelling

With the advantages of traveling , there also comes some disadvantages and it would be quite unfair to look at something from one angle. That is why we are also going to discuss the disadvantages of traveling as well.

• Travelling is very very expensive and it quite becomes a very difficult job for a common man to handle.
• You are, if not millions then thousands of miles away from home, and quite frankly speaking no one knows what would happen even the next second.
• You also can miss some important all of sudden events at home if you are traveling at the moment.
• It is also home sickening. Traveling days after days you at some point miss your home very badly.
• You can also fall behind in your career (if traveling is not your career). Of course, traveling is good for your CV but you also have to catch up on the work that you have missed during your traveling days.
• Travelling is also very tiring. You have to explore new places like every day and some time it sickens you and you get tired.
• You may also feel the feeling of isolation from your friends and neighbors and whoever you have a deep relationship with.
• Last but not least traveling gives you new experiences but at the same time, you are also putting a lot of time into that so time spending is also a factor.
• You can also lose something or even someone that is very precious to you during your traveling time.

Whether it is a local place or a place beyond your limits, travelling will give you an experience that you would not have experienced anywhere in your lifetime.  You also have to keep in mind the cons of travelling. However, planning on to travel somewhere you also have to keep the precautionary points in your mind to protect yourself from any possible harms and threats that could happen anywhere at any time. I hope you like all points of advantages and disadvantages of Travelling if you want to add your opinions on advantages or in disadvantages don’t hesitate to contact us.

October 24, 2020 at 8:04 am

To travel ten thousand kilometers is better than to read ten thousand books, as the Chinese saying goes. But during this pandemic, all we can do is sitting at home looking at the computer or mobile phone. The travelling can only take place in dreams.

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Travelling, Its Advantages and Disadvantages - Essay Example

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• Type: Essay
• Level: College
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Extract of sample "Travelling, Its Advantages and Disadvantages"

Travelling, Its Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Travelling is one of the most important activities that a person can undertake in their lifetime. It allows them to see different places, cultures and people from around the world, creating an understanding between all walks of life. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of travelling, focusing on the importance of travelling for personal growth and development. The essay will discuss the pros and cons of travelling, looking at how it can help to enrich a person’s understanding of other cultures, create new experiences, and potentially lead to long-term relationships. Finally, it will also consider some potential drawbacks such as cost, social isolation and safety concerns. Ultimately, the essay aims to highlight that travelling is a beneficial experience when the potential risks are managed correctly.

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Traveling: An Essay

Traveling can be a truly rewarding experience. It opens up new opportunities to discover the world around us and push ourselves towards new heights of self-discovery. However, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. In this essay, we will explore the benefits and challenges of traveling to help you make an informed decision on whether or not it’s right for you.

The Benefits of Traveling: By travelling, we are able to visit and experience new cultures, meet local people, learn about different lifestyles and get acquainted with different cuisines. This helps us open our minds and become more inquisitive in understanding the world around us. Furthermore, traveling can provide us with exciting new experiences and unforgettable memories.

The Challenges of Traveling: Despite the many benefits, traveling can also be a stressful experience. Not only do we need to plan ahead and manage our finances, but we also have to adjust to different languages, climates, cultures and lifestyles. This can sometimes lead to culture shock or even homesickness. Additionally, traveling can take a toll on our physical and mental health due to extended periods of time away from family and friends.

In conclusion, while there are many benefits and challenges associated with traveling, it is ultimately up to you to decide if it’s something that you would like to do. By considering the points mentioned in this essay, you can make an educated decision on whether or not traveling is right for you. Ultimately, the rewards of traveling far outweigh the risks if done properly and with the right preparation.

Seeing the World Through New Eyes: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling

Travelling is an important part of life, allowing us to experience incredible new cultures, explore amazing sights and sounds, and make lasting memories. It can also be a great learning opportunity for those who are curious about different aspects of the world around them. Writing an essay on what it means to see the world through new eyes can open up many interesting and thought-provoking conversations.

The advantages of travelling are numerous – from experiencing new cultures and customs to broadening one’s horizons and understanding different societies better. Travelling can also be an opportunity for personal growth, as it allows individuals to reflect upon their own values, beliefs, and ways of seeing the world. It can serve as a reminder that despite our many differences, we are all part of the same human experience. Additionally, travelling can provide an opportunity to gain new insights into different religions and ways of life, as well as to discover and appreciate beauty in unexpected places.

The disadvantages of travelling should also be considered when writing an essay on seeing the world through new eyes. Long-distance travel can be expensive and time-consuming, for instance, and it may not always be safe. Additionally, travelling can produce feelings of homesickness and culture shock as one adjusts to different cultures and ways of life. Finally, there is the risk of unexpected events disrupting plans or causing delays – a risk that is largely due to the unpredictable nature of international travel.

Ultimately, writing an essay on seeing the world through new eyes can provide insight into the advantages and disadvantages of travelling, as well as how it provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and understanding. By exploring both the positive and negative aspects of travelling, we can gain a greater appreciation for all the different cultures, people, and places that make up our world. With this understanding, we can better understand how to appreciate and interact with one another in spite of our differences.

In conclusion, travelling is an important part of life that allows us to explore new cultures and gain a greater understanding of the world around us. By considering both the advantages and disadvantages of travelling, we can gain a deeper appreciation for all the different cultures and experiences that make up our world. Writing an essay on this important topic can lead to thought-provoking ideas and meaningful conversations about how to best appreciate and interact with one another.

How to Choose a Trip?

When it comes to choosing a trip, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure you have the best experience. It's important to determine what type of trip you would like to take and where your destination should be. Other things such as budget, time frame, and mode of transportation are also important when selecting a vacation spot.

When looking for a trip to take, the first step is to decide what type of vacation you would like to have. Some popular options include beach vacations, city breaks, or outdoor adventures. Depending on your interests and preferences, you can choose one that best suits your needs. For instance, if you are interested in seeing historical sites and exploring different cultures, you might want to consider a city break. If you’d like some rest and relaxation, a beach vacation would be ideal.

Once you have decided on the type of trip you would like to take, the next step is to select your destination. It's important to research potential locations in order to find somewhere that offers the activities and attractions you are interested in. You should also check out reviews or recommendations from other travelers to get an idea of what it is like at certain places.

Finally, you need to consider your budget, time frame, and mode of transportation when selecting a trip. Depending on how much money you’re willing to spend and how much time you have available, you should choose a place that is within your budget and timeframe. Additionally, the mode of transportation should be taken into consideration—whether it’s by car, plane, or boat.

When all these factors are taken into account, selecting a suitable trip for yourself can go much smoother. By considering your interests, budget, and time constraints, you can make sure that your vacation will be a memorable one. Once the destination is chosen, all that’s left to do is start planning your dream trip!

In conclusion, there are many advantages and disadvantages of travelling. For some people, the adventure and freedom that comes with travelling can make it a great experience. For others, the stress and costs associated with travel may be too much to bear. Ultimately, whether or not you should go on a trip depends on your individual circumstances and needs. No matter what your decision may be, it is essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks of travelling before making a final decision. Ultimately, you should make sure that you have an enjoyable experience no matter where you go. Travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience if done right. So take the time to plan ahead and research how to make the most out of your trip. Bon voyage!

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24 Main Disadvantages of Traveling Abroad

Want to learn more about the disadvantages of traveling to be more prepared for your upcoming trip? Then this post will help you!

Traveling often conjures images of idyllic landscapes, fascinating cultures, and pictures of stunning places, and all that is true.

However, traveling also has certain drawbacks. The perfectly edited travel images on blogs and Instagram feeds can make traveling seem flawless, but the reality can be quite different.

Before I started traveling, all I could think of was how life would be perfect if I could travel! Don’t get me wrong, traveling has changed my life — literally!

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I’ve experienced some of the coolest adventures on earth — be it jumping off a bridge at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe , climbing the Eiffel Tower in Paris , or seeing some of the most beautiful museums in Europe ! All these experiences have impacted me in so many ways I couldn’t have imagined!

But after traveling to a number of countries, I’ve realized that traveling is not just the picture-perfect photos we see online!

It comes with a number of cons that are often less talked about, and that’s why I’ve decided to put together this article on some of the main disadvantages of traveling!

By shedding light on these cons of traveling, I hope that I can provide a more realistic picture of what traveling really entails! Of course, you might not experience all these at once but the more you travel, the more you’ll experience!

Disadvantages of Traveling

These disadvantages of travel are not meant to scare you from traveling! On the contrary, I’ve put them together so that you prepare yourself not only for the things that will go well but also for those that may not! So without any further ado, here are the drawbacks of traveling.

1. Financial Costs

Traveling can burn a significant hole in your pocket. The most obvious expenses include flights, accommodations, and meals.

On top of that, there are also less apparent costs like travel insurance, visas, and local transportation.

Then come the hidden costs of traveling — souvenirs, tips, and of course, the tourist attractions. These can quickly add up and exceed your budget.

There could also be unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or travel disruptions which can further skyrocket costs.

When you add all these, traveling ends up being more expensive than anticipated.

In fact, when I talk to most people who don’t travel, financial cost is usually the number one reason why they don’t.

If you want to reduce these costs, then you can check out my post on the best tips to travel on a budget !

2. Traveling Can be Tiring

Believe me or not, traveling can become tiring, especially if it’s a long trip. From long flights, cramped seats, and sleepless nights, to jet lag, all these can cause travel fatigue.

Add to this the physical strain of carrying luggage and walking more than usual, and it’s easy to see why traveling can leave you feeling drained.

Not to mention busy travel schedules often mean early mornings and late nights, leaving little time for rest.

Over time, this constant fatigue can suck the joy out of your travels and leave you craving the comforts of home.

To me, this is one of the common disadvantages of traveling abroad that even most travelers are embarrassed to admit — because let’s face it, people back home may find it hard to believe that you’re overwhelmed and tired while on vacation.

3. It can Cause Homesickness and Loneliness

Following on the previous point, traveling, particularly long-term or solo can lead to feelings of homesickness and loneliness.

Despite the excitement of exploring new places, there may be moments when you miss the familiarity of home, your loved ones, and even your usual routines.

This longing can be even more intense during holidays or personal milestones. Also, being in a foreign land where you might not speak the language can lead to feelings of isolation making the experience less enjoyable.

4. There Can Be Health Risks

From unfamiliar diseases to questionable food safety, traveling presents several health risks. Changes in climate or altitude can also affect your well-being.

It can also be hard to access good medical in some countries, which can be particularly concerning in case of an emergency.

If you have an existing condition, it may be even harder to manage your health while on the go.

Before you travel, make sure that you put this into consideration by getting relevant vaccinations, bringing all the medication you’ll need, and don’t forget to get comprehensive travel insurance.

5. Impact on the Environment

One of the major cons of traveling is the impact on the environment! I know, I know, there are so many things that we do that are slowly killing our planet, but traveling is no exception.

Travel, especially air travel has a significant environmental footprint with the carbon emissions from planes contributing to global warming.

Then there is the overuse of resources like water, increased waste, and disturbance to local wildlife. Over-tourism can also strain local resources and infrastructures.

You can try to reduce this impact by being a responsible traveler who makes travel decisions that minimize carbon footprint whenever possible.

6. Safety Concerns

Depending on your destination, safety can be a significant downside of traveling.

Each region has its own set of safety risks, from petty theft and scams to political instability and natural disasters.

Unfortunately, travelers often become targets for opportunistic crimes, and unfamiliarity with the local environment can make us look even more vulnerable.

It’s crucial to research the safety conditions of your destination and take appropriate precautions, but the potential risks can add a layer of stress to your travels. You can check out more tips on how to stay safe while traveling here.

7. Impact on Work and Responsibilities at Home

One of the notable disadvantages of traveling is the challenge of balancing it with work commitments and responsibilities at home.

Taking time off work isn’t always feasible and can even have career consequences in some cases.

Also, responsibilities like pet care, home maintenance, and other personal obligations don’t pause when you travel.

Juggling these responsibilities while planning and enjoying your trip can lead to stress too.

8. Cultural Insensitivity

When visiting unfamiliar places, there’s a risk of unintentionally disrespecting local cultures and customs.

A gesture or comment that seems harmless to you might be offensive in a different cultural context.

While this isn’t a reason not to travel, it does require spending time learning about the local etiquette and customs and being mindful of their behavior.

9. Language Barriers

Language barriers can also be a significant con of traveling. Trying to navigate the place, ask for help, or even order food can become a struggle if you don’t speak the local language.

Misunderstandings can lead to awkward or frustrating situations and can even be problematic in emergency situations.

Although language apps and phrasebooks can help, they don’t replace the ease of fluent communication.

10. Lost or Damaged Luggage

Lost, delayed, or damaged luggage is an all too common travel headache. Not only does it disrupt your plans, but it can also mean unexpected expenses if you need to replace lost items.

Even with insurance, the process of reporting and compensating for lost luggage can be a hassle, further tainting your travel experience.

I’ve had so many lost and damaged luggage over the years and believe me, it doesn’t get easier! It’s still as annoying and frustrating as the first time.

11. Dietary Restrictions

Managing dietary restrictions or food allergies when traveling can be a tricky task!

In some countries, dietary requirements might be difficult to communicate, or local cuisine might not cater to your needs.

This can limit your food options and create anxiety around meal times.

12. Jet Lag

Jet lag can throw your body’s internal clock off balance leading to symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and even digestive issues.

When traveling across multiple time zones, your body might struggle to adjust to the new schedule, impacting your energy levels and mood.

This can significantly affect your ability to enjoy your travel plans to the fullest.

13. Stress of Travel Planning

One of the other disadvantages of traveling is the stress of planning a trip! From choosing the best place to stay and booking accommodations to arranging transportation.

Although some people enjoy this phase of traveling, it doesn’t come easy to many! It involves making countless decisions, dealing with bookings, and sorting out logistics which can often be months in advance.

This process can be time-consuming and anxiety-inducing, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget or coordinating with others.

14. Potential for Cultural Shock

Traveling will expose you to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives that are vastly different from your own!

While this can be enlightening, and it’s actually my favorite part of traveling, it can also lead to culture shock — a sense of confusion and uncertainty caused by the unfamiliar.

It might be challenging to adjust to local customs, social norms, or living conditions, potentially leading to discomfort or stress during your travels.

15. Limited Accessibility

For travelers with disabilities or mobility issues, the world isn’t always as accessible as it should be, unfortunately.

From transportation and accommodations to tourist attractions, the lack of accessible infrastructure can be a significant disadvantage.

It may require more extensive planning and limit the choice of destinations which adds an extra layer of complexity to travel arrangements.

This is a stark reminder that the travel industry still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity and accessibility.

16. Difficulty in Maintaining a Circle of Friends

Being a frequent traveler can sometimes pose challenges to maintaining a stable circle of friends.

Since you’re often away, it can be difficult to nurture friendships, engage in regular social activities, or even keep up with ongoing trends and events which can lead to a feeling of disconnect.

Of course, you do form new bonds during your travels but the transient nature of these relationships might not replace the deeper connections you have back home.

If you’re looking to make new friends along the way, you can read my article on the best ways to make friends while traveling .

17. Traveling Can Be Addictive

For some people, traveling can become addictive. The thrill of exploring new places, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people can be so exhilarating that you always yearn for the next adventure.

I’d say this is not so bad but when traveling completely changes your social, personal, or professional life (and not in the best way), then you know it has become a not-so-great addiction.

Although traveling is rewarding, finding a balance is crucial to avoid it becoming a compulsion rather than a pleasure.

18. Difficulty in Returning Home

After spending a considerable amount of time exploring different places, you may find it challenging to readjust to your routine back home.

The thrill of being on the move might make everyday life seem mundane or unfulfilling.

This could potentially lead to feelings of restlessness or dissatisfaction, making the transition back to everyday life difficult.

I remember when I came back home from my first international trip , I was a little depressed because I felt like I didn’t fit in at home anymore.

20. Missing Out on Loved Ones’ Milestones

One of the downsides of traveling frequently is missing out on significant events and milestones in the lives of your loved ones back home.

Be it birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, marriages, or other special occasions, your absence could make you feel disconnected or lead to a sense of guilt. I know this first hand because I missed one of my closet friend’s wedding and to date, I still feel a bit bad that I did!

While technology has made staying connected easier, it can’t always replace being physically present.

21. Unpredictability and Things Not Going as Planned

Travel involves a certain degree of unpredictability. Flights get delayed, accommodations don’t meet expectations, or destinations fail to live up to their hype.

These unexpected situations can cause stress and disappointment, dampening the overall travel experience.

I still remember the time I spent 24 hours in Istanbul airport because my connecting flight left me, and because my passport requires a visa to enter Turkey, I had to sleep at the airport till the next available flight! What a bummer!

That meant that I lost money on the first day of my hotel booking and my trip was already a bit stained by this negative experience.

22. Risk of Burnout

Travel burnout is a real issue for frequent travelers, particularly digital nomads.

Constantly being on the move, adjusting to new environments, managing logistics, and balancing work and travel can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

This could potentially result in decreased productivity and take away the actual joy of traveling.

23. Lack of a Home Base

For some, the nomadic lifestyle can lead to a lack of a stable home base. Not having a constant place to return to can induce feelings of instability and rootlessness.

Over time, this could impact your sense of security and belonging.

24. Potential Disappointment with Destinations

While travel often comes with the anticipation of exciting experiences, it also carries the risk of disappointment.

You may find that a place doesn’t live up to your expectations or that reality doesn’t match the attractive images you’ve seen online. Believe me, I’ve had a number of such disappointments!

The food may be unsatisfactory, the locals not as welcoming, or the sights not as breathtaking as you had envisioned.

We’ve all probably heard of the Paris syndrome where most travelers, especially from Japan and East Asia are disappointed by how Paris is compared to the idyllic paradise they imagined!

Final Thoughts on The Cons of Traveling

While this list of drawbacks of traveling may seem extensive, the unique experiences and priceless memories that traveling provides outweigh these challenges and I for one wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything.

Even with these travel disadvantages, it’s essential to remember these issues can be mitigated with careful planning, research, and awareness.

Just like any activity, traveling comes with its set of pros and cons but it’s by acknowledging these travel disadvantages that we can have a realistic understanding that can help us make informed decisions and enhance our travel experiences.

Traveling is a journey of discovery that I plan to continue embarking on, and I encourage you to do the same, fully informed and prepared for the adventures that await and that include the not-so-great ones! After all, those are the ones that make the best stories after a while.

So, my advice is to know that these travel cons can happen to be more prepared and before you cancel your trip, know that any of these can happen even in your home country! It all goes back to being aware of your surrounding, learning a bit more about your destination, and always applying common knowledge.

More travel tips to help you plan your trip.

• How to plan a trip from scratch
• Practical tips to save money while traveling
• How to stay safe while traveling
• Things to know and do before going on any trip
• Big mistakes to avoid while traveling
• How to plan a road trip
• Tips for camping in the rain
• Big mistakes to avoid on a road trip

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Questions for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays  can be worded in several different ways. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

It is also common for synonyms of ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ to be used, such as ‘benefits’ and ‘drawbacks’, as can be seen in this sample question.

A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world? Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS advantage and disadvantages essay later on in this lesson.

Here’s what the lesson covers:

• Understanding IELTS advantages & disadvantages essay questions 
• Essay structures
• How to plan
• How to write an introduction
• How to write main body paragraphs
• How to write a conclusion

Want  to watch and listen? Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics. 

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay questions fall into two main categories:

• Questions that ask for your opinion.
• Questions that do not require you to state your opinion.

The first part of the question will always be a statement. You will then be asked to write about  both  the advantages  and disadvantages of the idea stated. You may also be required to state your opinion.

Here are two more sample questions for illustration. For the first one, you must give your opinion but in the second, you should not.

1. Small businesses are disappearing and being replaced by large multinational companies.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Most career choices demand vocational skills or specialist knowledge. However, despite this, most schools still teach academic subjects such as history or social studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Essay Structures

Now let’s look at two simple structures you can use to write IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays. They're not the only possible structures but are ones I recommend because they are easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

I’ll explain later why I’m giving you two slightly different structures.

These structures will give you a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

The question will state 'advantages' and 'disadvantages' in the plural, that is, more than one. However, it is acceptable to write about just one.

This should give you an essay of just over the minimum 250 words. To write about two advantages and disadvantages will require you to write nearer 400 words which are a lot to plan and write in the 40 minutes allowed.

It is better to fully develop one advantage and one disadvantage than ending up with your second idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time, but you can write about two if you feel able to or more comfortable doing so.

Having said that, using essay structure 2, where you start with the examples, will enable you to easily add more than one advantage and disadvantage without having to write many more words.

It will be more suitable for some questions than others so bear this in mind when you're writing practice essays and try out both structures.

I’m going to use essay structure 2 to show you step-by-step how to write an IELTS advantage and disadvantages essay. I’ll also give you a model answer using essay structure 1 so that you can compare the two.

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

The planning process only takes around 5 minutes but it is essential as it will save you time overall and will result in a far better essay and thus, higher marks. Th ere are the 3 things you need to do:

• Analyse the question
• Generate ideas
• Identify vocabulary

# 1  Analyse the question

Analysing the question will ensure that you answer it fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

• Topic words
• Other keywords
• Instruction words

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

Here is the question we’re going to be working on. I’ve highlighted the topic words in blue.

So, this question is about ‘ tourism’ .

Many people do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of tourism we're being asked to write about.

The  other keywords  in the question tell you the specific topic your essay must be about. 

A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income . Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the conflicting issues of tourism being ‘a main source of income’ in many places, yet also being ‘a source of problems’.

Your essay must only include ideas relevant to this aspect of tourism.

The  instruction words  are the question itself. They tell you exactly what to include in your essay.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world? Do you think that the  benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks ?

Here, we are required to write about:

• The advantages of tourism in relation to income generation.
• The disadvantage of tourism in relation to problems it can cause.
• Our opinion as to whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Note the use of the synonyms ‘ benefits ’ and ‘ drawback ’ in the second sentence of the question.

# 2  Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the  IELTS Essay Planning  page.

I’m going to demonstrate two of them for you here – the ‘friends technique’, which is suitable for most IELTS essays, and the ‘example method’, which perfectly fits essay structure 2.

The ‘ friends technique ’ is the method I generally prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are chatting with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

Here are my ideas using the friends technique:

There are far too many ideas here to include in an essay of just over 250 words. Think up a few then pick one advantage and one disadvantage that you think you can develop well.

With the ' example method ', on the other hand, you start by thinking of specific examples related to the question. They can come from your own experience or be something you’ve read or heard about. These examples will generate ideas that will become the main points of your essay.

It works particularly well for the model question I’ve selected for this lesson which is why I’ve included the second essay structure.

Here are my ideas using the examples technique:

Now that we have some ideas, we’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay, but first, we have one more task to do.

# 3  Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide what you're going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

We’re ready to begin writing our essay. For the first model answer, I’m going to take you step-by-step through essay structure 2. I’ll then give you a model answer for essay structure 1.

Here’s a reminder of the question and the essay structure. 

We’ll now start work on the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

The introduction to an IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay should have a simple 2 or 3 part structure:

• Paraphrase the question
• Outline the main ideas
• State your opinion (if required)

Our tourism question asks for our opinion so our introduction will have 3 parts.

1)  Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question statement.

     Question:   A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income.             

      Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

Paraphrased question:  

Although holidaymakers contribute hugely to the economies of many popular destinations, the influx of tourists can also cause serious issues.

Note my use of synonyms for some of the key words. It’s fine to repeat one or two words if you can't think of suitable synonyms. Above all, your language must sound natural.

2)  Outline statement

Now we need to add a statement where we outline the main points that we’ll be covering in the rest of the essay, that is, an advantage of tourism and a disadvantage of tourism.

Here are the two main ideas I’ve chosen to write about:

• Advantage – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts
• Disadvantage – Displacement of local people

Outline statement:  

This essay will demonstrate how tourism can transform the economy of poor areas but will also show that this can lead to such problems as the displacement of local people.

3)  Opinion statement

The question also asks for our opinion and it’s essential that we include it in the introduction.

Opinion statement:  

Whilst acknowledging that there are drawbacks, the essay will argue that the advantages of the tourist industry outweigh the disadvantages.

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

     Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

• It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
• It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
• It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1  – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts

Main body paragraph 2  – Displacement of local people

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays written using structure 2, should contain 3 things:

• Topic sentence – give an example
• Explanation – explain the benefits/advantages
• Consequence – state the result

Main Body Paragraph 1

The  topic sentence  summarises the main idea of the paragraph. It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

In this instance, the topic sentence will introduce our first example, for which I’ve chosen Thailand.

• Main idea –  Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts
• Example – Thailand

Topic sentence:  

One country that has experienced a significant economic boost from tourism is Thailand.

Next, we must write an  explanation sentence  that states the main point of our example.

Explanation sentence: 

Over the past 50 years, many of its small fishing villages, where people often struggled to make a living, have been developed into thriving holiday destinations.

Finally, we explain the  consequence or result  of the situation. This is where we give an example of one specific advantage. It is better to pick one and develop it than to just add a long list.

Consequence:

With all the hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities that have been developed, there are now enough jobs for everyone and the general standard of living has greatly increased.  Many local people have spotted new business opportunities and become entrepreneurs which has further diversified the economy.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We’ll now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea –  Displacement of local people

Example – Venice

First, we write the  topic sentence  to summarise the main idea.

Topic sentence:

In Venice, on the other hand, the huge popularity of the beautiful canals and stunning architecture with visitors from around the world has had a negative impact on local residents.

Now for the  explanation sentence   that states the main point of our example.

Explanation sentence:

The growing need for tourist accommodation, places to eat and shops has forced many people from their homes to make way for this new development.

Finally, a specific example to explain the consequence .

Not only have these people suffered by having to move away from their family and friends but the situation has also resulted in a lost sense of community in the worst affected areas.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can generally be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already near the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays on  the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

• Neatly end the essay
• Link all your ideas together
• Sum up your argument or opinion
• Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS a dvantages and disadvantages essay  with the words:

• In conclusion

        or

• To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. 

Introduction:

Here's the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our advantages and disadvantages essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for Structure 1

Now, here’s a model answer for essay structure 1. First, a reminder of the structure and the ideas I generated using the friends technique.

Ideas generation - Friends technique

I’ve underline the ideas I’ve chosen to write about in this second essay:

Advantages of tourism – source of income:

• Provides jobs for local people
• Opportunities for local entrepreneurs
• Tourist spending boosts both national & local economy
• Brings improvement in local infrastructure & facilities which benefit whole community
• Helps maintain traditions & culture

Disadvantages of tourism – the problems:

• Money goes to wealthy business owners not local people
• Increased crime
• Illegal activities, e.g. drugs
• More pubs & clubs – changes the local culture
• Increase in property values
• Destruction of the natural environment to build hotels, airports & other facilities
• Displacement of indigenous people 

See if you can identify the different parts of the essay and how I have developed them.

That's it. Now it's time for you to get practicing.

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More help with ielts advantages and disadvantages essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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30 Honest Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

Some say solo travel is lonely and sad. Some say it is unsafe or expensive. And others say it is the best thing they’ve ever done. So, exactly what are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone?

The benefits of travelling alone include setting your own budget, making more friends, meeting more locals, finding romance, and freedom over your itinerary. The disadvantages of travelling alone include expensive private accommodation, safety risks, loneliness, and difficulty taking photos of yourself.

In this article, I will list 30 pros and cons of travelling alone, so that you can decide whether solo travel is right for you.

Nomadic Yak has 100s of solo travel tips if it’s your first time travelling solo !

Practical Advantages of Travelling Alone

Social benefits of travelling alone, psychological benefits of travelling alone, practical disadvantages of travelling alone, social disadvantages of travelling alone, psychological disadvantages of travelling alone.

• More solo travel tips

Advantages & Benefits of Travelling Alone

What are the advantages of travelling alone? 

In short, the benefits of solo travel include saving money, making more friends, finding romance, enjoying freedom and flexibility, gaining self-confidence and social skills, becoming more mindful, gathering interesting stories, interacting with locals and creating awesome social media content.

Let’s delve further into the pros of solo travel:

+ Freedom and flexibility over your itinerary

Solo travel provides you with the flexibility to do what you want, where you want and when you want. There’s no need to do what other people want to do. 

When you travel alone, you get to enjoy total control over:

• Which activities you do and when;
• Which accommodation you stay at;
• Which transport you take;
• Which restaurants you eat at;
• When you wake up and go to bed;
• When you take breaks during the day;
• Whether you go out or stay in;
• Which route you take;
• Where you travel to (see my list of the 193 best places to travel solo ).

The whole trip is based around you and you alone!

+ Set your own budget and save money

Solo travel can be up to 75% cheaper than travelling with a partner, family or friends. This is because you do not have to cover the costs of other people’s travel expenses. Instead, you can just look for the best deals for yourself.

You also get to set your own budget when you travel alone. You do not have to think about others when choosing how much you spend on accommodation, transport, dining, activities and other expenses.

With the money you save, you can travel for longer and enjoy yourself more.

+ Eat whatever you want

One of the main concerns that people face when travelling alone for the first time is eating alone – they think that they’ll look weird or feel lonesome. 

But you’ll soon realise that eating alone is one of the benefits of travelling alone. You have total freedom over what you eat, when you eat and which restaurant you eat at.

This is particularly great for people who are focused on their diet or have food allergies. It’s also helpful if you’re trying to stick to a travel budget.

+ Choose accommodation based on your needs

One benefit of solo travel is that you get to choose your accommodation. There’s no need to think about your travel companions, their budget and their wants. 

Most of the time, your budget and style of solo travel will determine where you stay:

• Backpackers: Mostly stay in hostels and motels because they are affordable and a great way to meet people.
• Standard solo travellers: Stay in a combination of hostels and hotels so that they can enjoy a mix of socialising, affordability and comfort.
• Luxurious solo travellers: Mostly stay in hotels and private rentals so that they enjoy the utmost comfort and privacy.

+ More time to read, watch and listen

Most people never find the time to finish that book they’ve been reading or watch that film they’ve been wanting to see. 

An advantage of travelling alone is that you don’t have to fuss over others – you can use your downtime to enjoy some reading, a show or a podcast.

+ Learn a new language

When you travel alone, you can’t rely on your fellow travellers to help you translate the local language. Whilst this may sound like a disadvantage to some, the benefit is that it forces you to learn more of the local language. 

With the help of language learning apps such as Duolingo , it is easy to pick up the basics that you need when travelling to a foreign country. The first few levels of learning include greetings, pronouns, food items and common travel phrases.

+ Be as selfish as you like

People ask, is travelling alone fun ? But what could be more fun than doing whatever you want?!

One of the problems with travelling with friends and family is that you have to worry about what they want to do and when they want to do it.

When you travel solo, you’re free to indulge in whatever you want – whether that’s an extra drink at the bar, heading back to your accommodation early or trying some exotic street food. The benefit of travelling alone is that it’s a rare opportunity to be as selfish as you like!

+ You make more friends when travelling alone

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of travelling alone – it is much easier to meet people and make friends. Even though I’m an introvert, I make 1 or 2 new friends almost every day on my solo trips!

When you travel alone, you naturally socialise with other travellers and discuss the things you have in common: your destination, your travel plans and your interests. 

Other travellers are more likely to befriend you when you travel alone. It is less antagonising for them to approach an individual than a group of people.

Blossom into a social butterfly with my Ultimate 9-Step Guide to Making Friends When Travelling Alone !

+ Gain more social media followers and engagement

All your friends and family at home will be keen to see your solo travel adventures. And you’ll add lots of other travellers and friends on social media along the way, growing your following. 

When travelling alone, use your downtime to edit your photos and videos so that you can create unique and exciting social media content.

Struggling for captions? See my list of the 100 best solo travel Instagram captions !

+ Gather interesting stories

Ever sit around at a party and wish you had more interesting stories to share? A benefit of travelling alone is the amazing stories you gather.

You’ll keep your friends and family entertained for hours when you return from your solo travel with a bag full of funny, fascinating and frightful memories!

+ More romance and sex

Most solo travellers are single, so travelling alone can be a great way to meet romantic partners. You never know – one of your fellow travellers may just be your soul mate!

Backpackers have sex more frequently and have more sexual partners than the average person.

Any man travelling alone should include condoms on their male solo travel packing list . Women should also include contraception on their female solo travel packing list .

+ More interaction with locals

When you travel with other people, you rely on them to help you navigate the city, learn the language, order food, learn local history and much more.

But one of the advantages of travelling alone is that you have to rely on the local people more and get to enjoy more authentic interactions. 

Many times throughout my solo travels, I have had to ask a local for help. And often, it results in them kindly inviting me for tea or a meal and the opportunity to learn about their way of life.

+ Build your social skills

Because you are forced to socialise and make friends when you travel alone, you quickly build social skills and become more outgoing. 

Even if you’re a shy or introverted solo traveller , you’ll soon find that you can make friends with almost anyone. Just break the ice by discussing your common interest – travel. After that, the conversation will flow naturally.

+ Become more self-confident

You’ll face all sorts of fears and anxieties when you travel alone – you’ll get lost in unknown streets, fumble around a foreign language, struggle with scam artists, make friends with strangers, and more.

Whilst such challenges can be scary, you feel a massive sense of pride (and relief) when you overcome them by yourself. When you step outside the comforts of day-to-day life, you realise that you are capable of more than you thought possible (without the help of others).

+ Solo travel broadens the mind and soul

When you travel alone, you learn a lot about how other people live; what they do for work, what their history is, how their relationships and families function, what their struggles are and what they’re grateful for.

Learning about the lives of others helps you put your own life into perspective. You think about what is important to you and what is unimportant – your purpose, priorities, problems and blessings.

This is one of the main reasons why you should travel alone in your 20s !

+ Find clarity with moments of mindfulness

Try to enjoy one moment of mindfulness each day of your solo trip.

Make the most of quiet moments when you are alone with your thoughts. Reflect on your purpose, career, relationships, worries, blessings and more.

Mindfulness is particularly important if you are suffering from loneliness, homesickness or solo travel depression .

I remember a few of my most moving moments when travelling alone – sleeping under the stars in the Sahara, watching water buffalo cross a river in Laos, and walking the battlefields of Gallipoli.

Small moments can lead to big revelations in your thinking.

+ You challenge yourself to try new experiences

When you travel alone, there are no naysayers looking over your shoulder and saying “don’t do this” or “don’t do that.”

One of the advantages of solo travel is that you are free to try all the experiences that you’ve always wanted to try – adventure activities, exotic foods, partying, relationships and much more!

Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

What are the disadvantages of solo travel? The disadvantages of travelling alone include more expensive accommodation, increased risk of theft and susceptibility to scams, having no one to take care of you when drunk or sick, feeling lonely or anxious, and finding it harder to take photos of yourself.

Let’s delve deeper into the cons of travelling alone:

– Accommodation, car rental and dining can be more expensive

There are hidden costs involved with travelling alone . If you’re not careful, solo travel can become more expensive than group travel because you have to:

• Pay a single’s surcharge when booking private accommodation
• Cover the entire cost of private transport (taxis and Ubers)
• Cover the entire cost of meals (no split bills)
• Pay full price for tickets to attractions (no group discounts)
• Pay more for travel insurance

The best way to save costs when travelling alone is to stay in shared accommodation. You can also save money by catching public transport rather than hiring a vehicle.

Don’t only rely on comparison sites to find the best price on accommodation and transport. Sometimes, suppliers offer better prices if you book directly through their website.

Solo travellers concerned about their budget can also join a group tour. Some tours provide great bang for your buck because the organisers receive a discount when booking bulk accommodation and transport – meaning bigger savings for you.

– Travelling alone can be less safe

One of the most common questions amongst both men and women is: is solo travel safe ? 

No form of travel is totally safe. But some safety issues are more prevalent when you travel alone:

• Scams: You may not have someone else to alert you to street scams.
• Theft and assault: You may not have someone else to protect you from theft and assault when travelling alone.
• Getting lost: You may not have someone to help you navigate if you get lost or your phone battery dies.
• Drunkenness and intoxication: You will have to find trustworthy friends to take care of you when drunk.
• Illness and disease: You may not have someone else to take care of you when sick.
• Language and cultural differences: You may not have someone else to help you translate the local language or make you aware of cultural practices.

To reduce your susceptibility to the dangers of travelling alone, see these solo travel safety tips . There are many things you can do to keep yourself safe, including using padlocks, sharing your GPS location with family and friends, and setting up fraud alerts on your bank account.

I still join tours as a solo traveller if I’m visiting a particularly dangerous or difficult destination. I share my tour experiences in my article on  solo travel vs group travel .

– Difficulty taking photos

One of the biggest disadvantages of travelling alone is not having friends and family around to take photos of you. However, this problem is easily overcome. 

Simply ask your fellow travellers to take photos of you or get good at taking selfies (this is where a selfie stick comes in handy).

Alternatively, if you are serious about photography, carry a tripod and use the timer feature on your camera to capture the perfect shot.

– Sitting next to strangers on transport

A disadvantage of solo travel is that you don’t get to sit next to people that you know and are comfortable with. Instead, you’ll be sat next to strangers on flights, trains and coaches. 

Whilst this isn’t an issue most of the time, sometimes fellow passengers can be a hindrance. For example, they may take up your personal space, stink of body odour or chew loudly.

I’ll never forget the time I was on an overnight sleeper coach in Vietnam, mistakenly thinking I had the single bed to myself for the entirety of the journey. You can imagine my surprise when another man jumped on at 2 am and snuggled up beside me.

It is best to include a set of noise-cancelling earphones and an eye mask on your solo travel packing list. And if you and a travel buddy are heading in the same direction, try to book your seats together.

My guide to flying alone for the first time has 10 more tips to make your trip more comfortable.

– Taking care of yourself when ill

At some stage during your solo travel, you will likely get sick with food poisoning, a cold or some other ailment. 

The disadvantage of travelling alone is that you won’t have family or friends there to take care of you, make your food and buy you medicine. The best option is to find some private accommodation for a few days and rest until you’ve mended.

– You can’t share your luggage space

Sometimes when you travel with a partner who packs light, you can put some of your luggage in their bags. You don’t have this luxury when travelling alone.

If you buy items overseas and run out of luggage space during your solo travel, your best option is to head to the post office and ship it home.

– It’s sad saying goodbye to new friends

Whilst you’ll make a lot of friends (and maybe even a few lovers) whilst travelling alone, one of the biggest disadvantages of solo travel is having to say goodbye to all your new buddies!

When it comes time to go your separate ways, make sure that you’ve added your travel buddies on social media and make plans to catch up with them again in the future. 

Despite living in Australia , solo travel has allowed me to make friends from all over the world. On my travels, I regularly catch up with pals from Germany, Sweden, Cambodia, Morocco, Turkey and many other countries.

– Friends and family at home won’t share in your stories

I remember when I got home after my first solo trip to Southeast Asia. I was buzzing and expected all my family and friends to be equally excited about my travel stories. Whilst they were happy to have me home and hear about my adventures, the truth is that they didn’t care as much about my stories as I did.

Sadly, your travel stories won’t mean as much to your family and friends as they do to you. Whilst the story may be entertaining, your audience wasn’t there to witness it. For a memory to be truly special, you have to partake in it. 

However, this can also be a nice thing – to know that you have had special experiences that your friends, family and acquaintances haven’t. That is part of what makes solo travel unique.

– Family will worry about you

If you’ve never travelled solo before, you tend to worry more than is necessary. What’s worse is that your family tends to worry even more. 

It can be difficult to calm worried parents and siblings. At times, I didn’t reveal to my family what I was doing overseas until I returned because I knew that it would stress them out (e.g. riding a scooter through Vietnam and Thailand).

However, this secretive approach isn’t always best. Generally, you should share your itinerary with your family and keep them updated with regular video calls to quash their worries.

– Solo travel can get lonely at times

First-time solo travellers often ask, is travelling alone lonely ?

There will be moments during your solo trip when you are eating alone or admiring the view and wish that you could share it with someone. But these moments serve as great opportunities for mindfulness and reflection. 

Further, you will meet so many people and make so many friends during your solo travels, that you will spend the majority of your time exploring your destination with other travellers.

In those moments that you do feel lonely, you may want to call home and speak to family or friends. Alternatively, head back to your hostel or a local bar and strum up some conversation with other solo travellers. Or you could even join a day tour and keep active to take your mind off of things.

– Homesickness can hit a little harder

One of the cons of travelling alone is that you have no friends or family with you to remind you of home. This can mean that homesickness hits a little harder when you travel solo.

To keep homesickness at bay, make sure to video chat with friends and family regularly. It might also help to carry a little memento from home and set the wallpaper on your phone to include photos of family and friends. 

Most importantly, socialise with other travellers and keep active to take your mind off of negative emotions!

– Sticky situations

When you travel with a trusted partner, you have someone else there to speak some sense into you – whether that’s not getting too drunk on a night out, not trusting the scam artist on the street or not eating the dodgy-looking street food. 

You’ll get better at avoiding these sticky situations as you gain more solo travel experience. And if you’re new to solo travel, do your best to be vigilant but accept that almost everyone falls victim to tourist traps at some stage.

– Solo travel anxiety

Many people who have never travelled alone before suffer from solo travel anxiety – a fear that they will be overcome by the emotions and practicalities that come with travelling alone.

It is natural to have questions before your first solo trip, such as is it weird to travel alone ?

These worries are one of the disadvantages of solo travel. But once you hit the road and start seeing amazing places, making great friends and trying new experiences, you will wonder what you ever worried about. 

Throwing yourself into the deep end is the best and only way to overcome solo travel anxiety.

Summary: Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

Hopefully, I have dispelled the myths as to what are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone.

Travelling alone is best for people who aren’t afraid to face disadvantages such as safety risks and difficult emotions of loneliness, anxiety and homesickness. 

If you are adventurous and curious about the world, you can make the most of the advantages of travelling alone. You will return from your solo trip with more friends, a better understanding of the world and a better understanding of yourself.

Are you cut out for solo travel? Take the 15-question quiz: should I travel alone ?

Related Posts

Best Places to Solo Travel – All 193 Countries Ranked (2023)

Overcome Fear & Anxiety of Travelling Alone: 23 Things I Do

Introvert Solo Travel: 10 Truths and 12 Tips from a Shy Guy

Find more solo travel tips on nomadic yak.

Nomadic Yak helps solo travellers to plan journeys that are adventurous and authentic.

Every article is written by me, Harry . I’ve travelled to 40+ countries over the last 5 years – alone.

I’ve shared everything you need to know about travelling alone for the first time .

You’ll also find 100s of solo travel tips on how to save money, make more friends, build a social media following and much more.

Plus, you can use my solo travel destination guides to discover international sights and attractions that few other travellers get to witness.

Creator of Nomadic Yak

At age 22, I had never travelled overseas. Six years later, I have travelled alone through 35 countries and work wherever I like as a freelance writer.

Sample details

Related topics.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling

This article discusses different modes of transportation, including cars, buses, trains, and planes. While some people prefer to travel by car due to the flexibility it offers in terms of destination and privacy, there are also many disadvantages such as the cost of gas, danger on the road, and the fact that it can be tiring for the driver. The article suggests that using gas instead of petrol is better for the environment and can be cheaper. The author concludes that responsible driving and patience is key to enjoying driving for years.

In the present time, various forms of transportation have become crucial in our everyday existence. It is hard to fathom how individuals in earlier periods coped without cars, buses, trains, and planes. People’s transportation preferences differ; some favor cars despite their negative environmental impact. The act of traveling by car unquestionably possesses both advantages and disadvantages. One notable benefit is the liberty it grants to travel anywhere without being confined to predetermined routes or timetables. Unlike buses, cars provide the convenience of directly reaching desired destinations instead of relying on a bus station drop-off.

Using a car provides both privacy and the flexibility to do as we please, while also allowing for impromptu road trips without the inconvenience of dealing with complicated bus ticket reservations. All we have to do is obtain a map or utilize a GPS system, step into the car, and start our journey! The advantages encompass the ability to chart our own course and travel efficiently. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to traveling by car. The driver may find it uncomfortable as they must stay vigilant at all times without being able to unwind. Conversely, passengers can comfortably sleep or partake in other activities.

When a driver is excessively fatigued, they can be just as perilous on the road as an inebriated driver. Furthermore, driving by car can be dangerous due to the multitude of accidents that necessitate careful attention. Additionally, using a car can be expensive as vehicle owners must pay substantial amounts for gas and maintenance services, particularly considering the soaring fuel prices. From my perspective, individuals ought to select gas instead of petrol because it provides environmental advantages and lower costs. In summary, if we drive responsibly and remain patient, we can enjoy numerous years of safe driving. I am eagerly anticipating obtaining my driver’s license.

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10 Worst Disadvantages of Travelling Abroad [Top Travel Disadvantages]

Travelling is incredible. But it isn’t without issues. Here are 10 of the worst disadvantages of travelling abroad you should know about before you go.

Danny Newman

Disadvantages of travelling abroad are part of the experience too. In this post, I discuss 10 of them!

People always talk about the good stuff when it comes to travelling.

And that makes sense! Travel’s awesome.

But there are definitely travel disadvantages that are worth knowing about too.

So, for the sake of fairness, here are 10 disadvantages of travelling abroad.

[Last updated: February 2023]

Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.

Must-Know Disadvantages of Travelling Abroad

Don’t let these disadvantages put you off! They’re simply worth knowing about. Want my advice? Read them, keep them in mind, and go travelling anyway…

1. Travel is Insanely Addictive

There’s a reason people talk about the travel bug.

It’s real! I can vouch for it.

You go away once, sample the incredible opportunities and experiences travelling offers, and get hooked.

This might not sound like a disadvantage. And, in some ways, it isn’t. In fact, I love how addictive travel is.

But it has a funny way of affecting your ‘home plans’.

“Notions of career and plans for family get side-lined in exchange for the next hit of foreign adventure you can get your hands on. ”

And, like any addiction, it pangs when it isn’t indulged and has its own set of troubling withdrawal symptoms.

Frankly, home life doesn’t feel the same anymore – especially when you first get home.

For a time, life isn’t as vibrant; the call from far-flung destinations is intense and all-consuming.

You’ll find yourself in places so beautiful, you’ll never want to leave! It’s totally addictive.

2. Travel Isn’t Cheap (One of the Major Drawbacks of Travelling!)

This disadvantage of travelling is stating the obvious, but money tends to be an issue for travellers.

After all, travelling to distant destinations is expensive!

And, though budget travel is always possible, the pressure that travelling puts on your pockets is undeniable.

I’ve found that when travel becomes a priority, it requires sacrifice in other areas. It forces you to live differently so you can save up for your next trip.

Again though, there’s a silver lining:

That very same sacrifice will lend a greater poignancy to your travels. Whenever you put effort into something, you tend to value it more, right?

Nevertheless, it will undoubtedly use up your savings, leave holes in your pockets and shrink those once bulging nest eggs.

3. Careers Get Delayed and People Move On

Life at home doesn’t stop while you’re travelling.

In fact, it moves on without you.

People get married and have babies, move home, and get promotions.

You return from travelling and suddenly the awesome experiences you had become a memory.

You’re confronted with a new reality, where your peers are a year (or more) ahead of you in their careers and earning more money. Maybe they’re already attaining the goals you once had for yourself.

For competitive go-getters, this can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Sure, there’s no replacement for life experiences – and you’ll have that in abundance.

But when you’re back home with your adventures (until the next one, at least) behind you, it can be hard to see people who have moved on ahead.

4. It’s Hard to Maintain Habits and Routines

At home, you probably have a set routine and structure to each day.

You know what to expect! And you enjoy the regularity of things.

For me, one of the biggest drawbacks of travel is that it flips this on its head!

Maybe it’s a good thing. After all, there’s nothing wrong with mixing things up every now and again, right?

But what if you usually go to the gym 5 times a week? Or have specific dietary requirements? Or have sporting or academic goals? Or you need a particular amount of sleep to function at your best?

The list goes on!

Here’s the truth: habits and routines are helpful. Unfortunately, travel, with all its irregularity and unpredictability, can make them hard to uphold.

Heads up, you might also like this post about the pros and cons studying abroad ! Check it out!

It’s tiring too. You might need a piggy back every now and again…

5. Travelling is Tiring

It’s hard to overstate this travel disadvantage.

Travel, above all else, can be exhausting.

You’re on the move constantly, doing new things, absorbed in novel environments, and slammed with stimulating sensory experiences.

Your brain works on overdrive to take everything in, plan ahead, overcome challenges, and stay safe.

This is tiring at both a physical and mental level, which makes it harder to enjoy the experience.

6. Travel Can Be Dangerous

Travel isn’t just tiring.

It can be dangerous and fraught with unexpected hiccups, mixups, and mistakes too.

As far as my mum’s concerned, this is definitely one of the main disadvantages of travelling!

Thankfully, 95% of the time, peoples’ understandable concerns about the dangers of travel are unfounded.

If you’re sensible, vigilant, and appropriately cautious, you shouldn’t have any problems on the road!

Even so, there’s always a risk.

Valuables get lost and stolen, flights get cancelled, and people get sick. In rare, worst case scenarios, they even get hurt.

Another downside of travel is that, despite all the awesome stuff you do, it’s draining.

7. It Will Push You Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally

In a similar way, travel will challenge you at many different levels.

You’ll feel lonely at times, homesick at others, and frequently out of your comfort zone.

You’ll have to be brave, face up to your fears, confront personal demons , and take countless steps into the unknown.

“Physically, mentally and emotionally, travel can be tough.”

None of that’s easy.

But, of course, it’s also what makes travel such a tremendous personal development tool .

Travel will change you in fundamental, positive ways (see below), which is almost entirely due to overcoming the challenges it throws at you.

But that doesn’t make it easier in the moment!

Here’s my advice:

Whenever you’re struggling on the road, take it easy, be self-compassionate, accept what’s going on, stay present, and know that it’ll all be fine in the long run.

8. You Can Feel Lonely and Homesick

When you’re by yourself on the other side of the world (or even in a group), loneliness can be a regular unwanted visitor.

It creeps up and makes your days feel pretty bleak.

Not only that, but homesickness can rear its head at the time same time – quickly making matters worse.

However, I have to remind myself that it’s 100% natural to feel lonely and homesick on the other side of the world.

Consider what you’re doing!

You’re literally away from all the people you know and love, stepping into the unknown and taking a huge leap of faith.

You’re bound to feel lonely at times.

Just as you’re bound to feel homesick at times.

Know that it’s totally natural and that it’ll pass, like a wave, in time.

Heads up, you might also like this post about overcoming the travelling blues .

Beautiful, yes. But lonely too on occasion. Homesickness can be a tough part of travelling.

9. Coming Home is Hard

One of the biggest disadvantages to travel is that you have to come home!

That probably sounds a tad tongue-in-cheek.

But I’m serious!

I mean, one obvious issue is that you’re no longer having the time of your life out on the road.

However, coming home is hard for other reasons too.

You get back and everything feels the same – apart from you.

You feel completely different, but home does not.

After enjoying total independence and life-giving adventures, you’re back to the same four walls, the same faces, and the same routines.

It’s the same day-to-day home life that you left behind months (or even years) ago.

It can feel unbearable.

For me, it’s a feeling of longing to be back out there; frustration at the banality of home. It’s a general malaise and sensation of no longer belonging.

Getting home from travels is never an easy process.

10. You Become a Different Person

I’ve mentioned this final travel disadvantage a couple of times already.

But it’s worth explaining in more detail.

“Go travelling and you’ll almost certainly feel like a totally different person when you get back. ”

Again, in most ways, this isn’t negative!

It’s a sign of how profound travel is; you’ll find that you’ve changed in hugely positive ways.

But it’s also disconcerting.

Indeed, you might be unaware that you’ve changed until the moment you’re home and the hubbub of your return has died down.

Then it’s like a slap in the face. You’re back home and feel utterly out of place in what should be a familiar environment.

It can take some time to wrap your head around and figure out where this “new you” fits in.

Remember the Disadvantages of Travelling!

And there you have it: 10 disadvantages of travelling abroad.

Again, in no way should these travel disadvantages put you off! Indeed, I actively hope they haven’t!

But in the interest of knowing what you’re getting into, they’re definitely worth keeping in mind.

And, to be honest, there’s no saying for sure whether you’ll go through the same issues! After all, everyone’s experience of travel is different.

So go have an adventure, revel in the wonder of it, and embrace the occasional negative that goes with it. In almost every case, there’s a silver lining anyway!

Like this piece? Drop a comment below with your thoughts. Which travel disadvantage are you most concerned about experiencing on the road?

1 thought on “10 Worst Disadvantages of Travelling Abroad [Top Travel Disadvantages]”

I must say I never expected it, but the first time I felt the loneliness and homesickness was when I spent 6 weeks on the road, across Africa, then across the US, with friends in turn and visiting friends in different places. It was part running out of money as well as just the yearning of back to my bed, my four walls, home country, home routine, etc. For someone who loves travel, this was truly shocking! Thank you Danny – nicely put together, and I like how you add the silver lining in every disadvantage. Now I’m so looking forward to getting back on the road and air for another long haul, now that I know what to expect! 🙂

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Advantages and disadvantages of travelling abroad

Posted On : 2023-04-21

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling Abroad

You might be like these suggested tours, advantages of traveling abroad, disadvantages of travelling abroad, tour booking form.

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Essay On Travel

500 words essay on travel.

Travelling is an amazing way to learn a lot of things in life. A lot of people around the world travel every year to many places. Moreover, it is important to travel to humans. Some travel to learn more while some travel to take a break from their life. No matter the reason, travelling opens a big door for us to explore the world beyond our imagination and indulge in many things. Therefore, through this Essay on Travel, we will go through everything that makes travelling great.

Why Do We Travel?

There are a lot of reasons to travel. Some people travel for fun while some do it for education purposes. Similarly, others have business reasons to travel. In order to travel, one must first get an idea of their financial situation and then proceed.

Understanding your own reality helps people make good travel decisions. If people gave enough opportunities to travel, they set out on the journey. People going on educational tours get a first-hand experience of everything they’ve read in the text.

Similarly, people who travel for fun get to experience and indulge in refreshing things which may serve as a stress reducer in their lives. The culture, architecture, cuisine and more of the place can open our mind to new things.

The Benefits of Travelling

There are numerous benefits to travelling if we think about it. The first one being, we get to meet new people. When you meet new people, you get the opportunity to make new friends. It may be a fellow traveller or the local you asked for directions.

Moreover, new age technology has made it easier to keep in touch with them. Thus, it offers not only a great way to understand human nature but also explore new places with those friends to make your trip easy.

Similar to this benefit, travelling makes it easier to understand people. You will learn how other people eat, speak, live and more. When you get out of your comfort zone, you will become more sensitive towards other cultures and the people.

Another important factor which we learn when we travel is learning new skills. When you go to hilly areas, you will most likely trek and thus, trekking will be a new skill added to your list.

Similarly, scuba diving or more can also be learned while travelling. A very important thing which travelling teaches us is to enjoy nature. It helps us appreciate the true beauty of the earth .

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Travel

All in all, it is no less than a blessing to be able to travel. Many people are not privileged enough to do that. Those who do get the chance, it brings excitement in their lives and teaches them new things. No matter how a travelling experience may go, whether good or bad, it will definitely help you learn.

FAQ on Essay on Travel

Question 1: Why is it advantageous to travel?

Answer 1: Real experiences always have better value. When we travel to a city, in a different country, it allows us to learn about a new culture, new language, new lifestyle, and new peoples. Sometimes, it is the best teacher to understand the world.

Question 2: Why is travelling essential?

Answer 2: Travelling is an incredibly vital part of life. It is the best way to break your monotonous routine and experience life in different ways. Moreover, it is also a good remedy for stress, anxiety and depression.

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Essay On Traveling: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Travelling

Advantages and disadvantages of travelling.

It goes without saying, nowadays one of the most entertaining free time activities is travelling. Still some people seem to be against travelling. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling?

On the one hand, travelling is advantageous for a few reasons. Firstly, travelling broadens one‘s outlook and develops menatily. For example, the more countries we travel to, the more intelligent we are. Secondly, travelling abroad improves one‘s language skills. For instance, while travelling abroad we need to socialise and correspond with a number of people from different countries. Thirdly, travelling helps to understand the traditions and customs of the country better. While travelling we can see the things in real life situations and discover any country‘s nature and cultural life better.

On the other hand, the negative aspects of travelling should also be considered. To begin with, travelling costs a fortune. People have to cover transport expenses and hotel bills. Also, unforeseen travel expenses may incur. Moreover, travelling abroad may be quite dangerous.

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Strong Taiwan Quake Kills 9, Injures Hundreds

The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the island in 25 years. Dozens of people remained trapped, and many buildings were damaged, with the worst centered in the city of Hualien.

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• Hualien, Taiwan A landslide after the quake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Books flew off shelves as a home shook. @Abalamindo via Storyful
• Taipei, Taiwan Passengers waiting at a train station as some services were suspended. Chiang Ying-Ying/Associated Press
• Hualien, Taiwan People are rescued from a building that had partially collapsed. TVBS via Associated Press
• Hualien, Taiwan Firefighters rescuing trapped residents from a building. CTI News via Reuters
• Taipei, Taiwan Students evacuated to a school courtyard after the earthquake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
• Guishan Island, Taiwan Rocks tumbling down one side of an island popular for hiking. Lavine Lin via Reuters
• Hualien, Taiwan A building leaned to one side after the quake. Randy Yang via Associated Press
• Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan Watching news on a rooftop of a hotel after a tsunami warning. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
• Hualien, Taiwan Motorbikes damaged in the quake. TVBS via Associated Press
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Damage in an apartment Fabian Hamacher/Reuters
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Water cascading down a building during the quake. Wang via Reuters

Meaghan Tobin and Victoria Kim

Here’s what you need to know about the earthquake.

Taiwan was rocked Wednesday morning by the island’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that killed at least nine people, injured more than 800 others and trapped dozens of people.

The heaviest damage was in Hualien County on the island’s east coast, a sleepy, scenic area prone to earthquakes. Footage from the aftermath showed a 10-story building there partially collapsed and leaning heavily to one side, from which residents emerged through windows and climbed down ladders, assisted by rescuers. Three hikers were killed after being hit by falling rocks on a hiking trail in Taroko National Park, according to the county government.

By late afternoon, officials said rescue efforts were underway to try to rescue 127 people who were trapped, many of them on hiking trails in Hualien.

One building in Changhua County, on the island’s west coast, collapsed entirely. The quake was felt throughout Taiwan and set off at least nine landslides, sending rocks tumbling onto Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to local media reports. Rail services were halted at one point across the island.

The earthquake, with an epicenter off Taiwan’s east coast, struck during the morning commute, shortly before 8 a.m. Taiwanese authorities said by 3 p.m., more than 100 aftershocks, many of them stronger than magnitude 5, had rumbled through the area.

In the capital, Taipei, buildings shook for over a minute from the initial quake. Taiwan is at the intersection of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate, making it vulnerable to seismic activity. Hualien sits on multiple active faults, and 17 people died in a quake there in 2018.

Here is the latest:

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people there were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, a holiday across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn the dead and make offerings at their graves. Officials warned the public to stay away from visiting tombs in mountain areas as a precaution, especially because rain was forecast in the coming days.

TSMC, the world’s biggest maker of advanced semiconductors, briefly evacuated workers from its factories but said a few hours later that they were returning to work. Chip production is highly precise, and even short shutdowns can cost millions of dollars.

Christopher Buckley

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s vice president, who is also its president-elect, visited the city of Hualien this afternoon to assess the destruction and the rescue efforts, a government announcement said. Mr. Lai, who will become president in May, said the most urgent tasks were rescuing trapped residents and providing medical care. Next, Mr. Lai said, public services must be restored, including transportation, water and power. He said Taiwan Railway’s eastern line could be reopened by Thursday night.

Meaghan Tobin

Taiwan’s fire department has updated its figures, reporting that nine people have died and 934 others have been injured in the quake. Fifty-six people in Hualien County remain trapped.

Shake intensity

Taiwan’s fire department reports that nine people have died and 882 others have been injured in Taiwan. In Hualien County, 131 people remain trapped.

Agnes Chang

Footage shows rocks tumbling down one side of Guishan Island, a popular spot for hiking known as Turtle Island, off the northeast coast of Taiwan. Officials said no fishermen or tourists were injured after the landslide.

The death toll has risen to nine, according to Taiwan government statistics.

Meaghan Tobin, Siyi Zhao

Officials in Taiwan warned residents to not visit their relatives' tombs, especially in the mountains, this weekend during the holiday, known as Ching Ming, meant to honor them. There had already been 100 aftershocks and the forecast called for rain, which could make travel conditions on damaged roads more treacherous.

Crews are working to reach people trapped on blocked roads. As of 1 p.m. local time, roads were impassable due to damage and fallen rock in 19 places, according to the Ministry of Transportation. At least 77 people remain trapped. A bridge before Daqingshui Tunnel appeared to have completely collapsed.

Taiwan’s worst rail disaster in decades — a train derailment in 2021 that killed 49 people — took place on the first day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday period that year, in the same region as the earthquake.

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people here were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, or Ching Ming, a day across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn their dead, especially by making offerings at their graves. Now those plans will be disrupted for many Taiwanese.

The holiday weekend would typically see a spike in travel as people visit family across Taiwan. Currently, both rail transport and highways are blocked in parts of Hualien, said Transport Minister Wang Guo-cai. Work is underway to restore rail transportation in Hualien, and two-way traffic is expected to be restored at noon on Thursday, he said.

Taiwan’s preparedness has evolved in response to past quakes.

Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the island’s largest and most destructive quakes .

In the years after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in 1999, the authorities established an urban search-and-rescue team and opened several emergency medical operation centers, among other measures .

And in 2018, after a quake in the eastern coastal city of Hualien killed 17 people and caused several buildings to partially collapse, the government ordered a wave of building inspections .

Taiwan has also been improving its early warning system for earthquakes since the 1980s. And two years ago, it rolled out new building codes that, among other things, require owners of vulnerable buildings to install ad-hoc structural reinforcements.

So how well prepared was Taiwan when a 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Hualien on Wednesday morning, killing at least seven people and injuring hundreds more?

Across the island, one building collapsed entirely, 15 others were in a state of partial collapse and another 67 were damaged, the island’s fire department said on Wednesday afternoon . Structural engineers could not immediately be reached for comment to assess that damage, or the extent to which building codes and other regulations might have either contributed to it or prevented worse destruction.

As for search-and-rescue preparedness, Taiwan is generally in very good shape, said Steve Glassey, an expert in disaster response who lives in New Zealand.

“ The skill sets, the capabilities, the equipment, the training is second to none,” said Dr. Glassey, who worked with Taipei’s urban search-and-rescue team during the response to a devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. “They’re a very sharp operation.”

But even the best urban search-and-rescue team will be stretched thin if an earthquake causes multiple buildings to collapse, Dr. Glassey said.

Taiwan has options for requesting international help with search-and-rescue efforts. It could directly ask another country, or countries, to send personnel. And if multiple teams were to get involved, it could ask the United Nations to help coordinate them, as it did after the 1999 earthquake.

Pierre Peron, a spokesman for the United Nations, said on Wednesday afternoon that no such request had yet been made as a result of the latest earthquake.

Meaghan Tobin contributed reporting.

At least seven people have died and 736 have been injured as a result of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Another 77 people remained trapped in Hualien County, many of them on hiking trails. Search and rescue operations are underway, said the fire department.

Aftershocks of magnitudes between 6.5 and 7 were likely to occur over the next three or four days, said Wu Chien-fu, director of the Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Center, at a news conference.

As of 2 p.m., 711 people had been injured across Taiwan, the fire department said, and 77 people in Hualien County remained trapped. The four who were known to have died were in Hualien.

Victoria Kim

Hualien County is a quiet and scenic tourist destination.

Hualien County on Taiwan’s east coast is a scenic, sleepy tourist area tucked away from the island’s urban centers, with a famous gorge and aquamarine waters. It also happens to sit on several active faults , making it prone to earthquakes.

The county has a population of about 300,000, according to the 2020 census, about a third of whom live in the coastal city of Hualien, the county seat. It is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan. About three hours by train from the capital, Taipei, the city describes itself as the first place on the island that’s touched by the sun.

Hualien County is home to Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular scenic areas. Visitors come to explore the Taroko Gorge, a striated marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, which cuts through mountains that rise steeply from the coast. The city of Hualien is a popular destination as a gateway to the national park.

According to the state-owned Central News Agency, three hikers were trapped on a trail near the entrance to the gorge on Wednesday, after the quake sent rocks falling. Two of them were found dead, the news agency said. Administrators said many roads within the park had been cut off by the earthquake, potentially trapping hikers, according to the report.

Earthquakes have rattled Hualien with some regularity. In 2018, 17 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when a magnitude 6.5 quake struck just before midnight, its epicenter a short distance northeast of the city of Hualien.

Many of the victims in that quake were in a 12-story building that was severely tilted, the first four floors of which were largely crushed, according to news reports from the time. The next year, the area was shaken by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that injured 17 people.

The area has some of the highest concentrations of Taiwan’s aboriginal population, with several of the island’s Indigenous tribes calling the county home .

The county government in Hualien released a list of people that had been hospitalized with injuries, which stood at 118 people as of midday Wednesday.

Across Taiwan, one building fell down entirely, in Changhua County on the west coast, and 15 buildings partially collapsed, Taiwan’s fire department said. Another 67 buildings were damaged. One of the partially collapsed structures was a warehouse in New Taipei City where four people were rescued, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Another 12 were rescued at a separate New Taipei City building where the foundation sank into the ground.

Peggy Jiang, who manages The Good Kid, a children’s bookstore down the street from the partially collapsed Uranus Building in Hualien, said it was a good thing they had yet to open when the quake struck. The area is now blocked off by police and rescue vehicles. “Most people in Hualien are used to earthquakes,” she said. “But this one was particularly scary, many people ran in the street immediately afterward.”

Lin Jung, 36, who manages a shop selling sneakers in Hualien, said he had been at home getting ready to take his 16-month-old baby to a medical appointment when the earthquake struck. He said it felt at first like a series of small shocks, then “suddenly it turned to an intense earthquake shaking up and down.” The glass cover of a ceiling lamp fell and shattered. “All I could do was protect my baby.”

Chris Buckley ,  Paul Mozur ,  Meaghan Tobin and John Yoon

The earthquake damaged buildings and a highway in Hualien.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday damaged many buildings and a major highway in Hualien, a city on the eastern coast, and it knocked out power as it rocked the island.

Across Taiwan, the quake and its aftershocks caused one building to completely collapse and 15 others to partially collapse, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Sixty-seven other buildings sustained damage.

Two tall buildings in Hualien that sustained particularly extensive damage were at the center of the rescue efforts there. Most damage across the city was not life-threatening, said Huang Hsuan-wan, a reporter for a local news site.

Where buildings were reported damaged in Hualien City

“A lot of roads were blocked off. There are a lot of walls toppled over onto cars,” Derik du Plessis, 44, a South African resident of Hualien, said shortly after the earthquake. He described people rushing around the city to check on their houses and pick up their children. One of his friends lost her house, he said.

One of the damaged buildings in Hualien, a 10-story structure called the Uranus Building that housed a mix of homes and shops, was tilted over and appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Many of its residents managed to flee, but some were missing, said Sunny Wang, a journalist based in the city. Rescuers were trying to reach the basement, concerned that people might be trapped there.

Photographs of the initial damage in Hualien showed another building, a five-story structure, leaning to one side, with crushed motorcycles visible at the ground-floor level. Bricks had fallen off another high-rise, leaving cracks and holes in the walls.

The quake also set off at least nine landslides on Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, which said part of the road had collapsed.

Taiwan’s fire department said four people had been killed in the earthquake.

Across Taiwan, 40 flights have been canceled or delayed because of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center.

President Tsai Ing-wen visited Taiwan’s national emergency response center this morning, where she was briefed about the response efforts underway by members of the ministries of defense, transportation, economic affairs and agriculture, as well as the fire department.

A look at Taiwan’s strongest earthquakes.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning was the strongest in 25 years, the island’s Central Weather Administration said.

At least four people died after the quake struck off Taiwan’s east coast, officials said.

Here’s a look back at some of the major earthquakes in modern Taiwanese history:

Taichung, 1935

Taiwan’s deadliest quake registered a magnitude of 7.1 and struck near the island’s west coast in April 1935, killing more than 3,200 people, according to the Central Weather Administration. More than 12,000 others were injured and more than 50,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Tainan, 1941

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in December 1941, which struck southwestern Taiwan, caused several hundred deaths, the United States Geological Survey said.

Chi-Chi, 1999

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in September 1999. The quake, which struck about 90 miles south-southwest of Taipei, was the second-deadliest in the island’s history, according to the U.S.G.S. and the Central Weather Administration. More than 10,000 people were injured and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Yujing, 2016

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2016 caused a 17-story apartment complex in southwestern Taiwan to collapse, killing at least 114 people . The U.S.G.S. later said that 90 earthquakes of that scale or greater had occurred within 250 kilometers, or 155 miles, of that quake’s location over the previous 100 years.

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